The Tribune

THE Ministry of Tourism has partnered with MasterCard to become the official card of the Bahamas, making the move another part of the product being offered to an estimated six million tourists to these shores.

The announcement was made during reception at the John Watling’s Distillery at the Buena Vista Estate, Delancy Street last week.

On hand for the partnership unveiling was Minister of Tourism Obie Wilchcombe, who thanked MasterCard for believing in the Bahamas.

“We have so much to offer and we are pleased that you are considering the Grand Bahama economy, which is doing much better as we continue to build the industry,” Mr Wilchcombe said. “We are going to do all we can to continue to prove that it is better in the Bahamas.”

He noted that the ministry is pursuing a very aggressive campaign to lure more visitors to the Bahamas. One venture is the ‘January 16, 16 Weddings at 1600 hours’ next year.

The partnership is also part of MasterCard’s plan to expand its “Priceless Bahamas” destinations programme and enhance its reach among international tourists.

Vice-president of marketing in the Caribbean Lorena Holguin confirmed the company will also become more involved in the tourism industry and initiatives led by the Ministry of Tourism.

“We are thrilled with the success of Priceless Bahamas, and are excited to have evolved the programme into something much greater,” she said.

As indicated by Mr Wilchcombe, MasterCard is also expanding its programme to Grand Bahama with 15 new merchants involved.

This will enable cardholders to enjoy offers and discounts at more than 85 stores; twice the number involved when the programme was first launched in 2008.