Exceptional Cardholder Experiences Debut on Revamped MasterCard Moments Website

MasterCard survey reveals that consumers across Asia/Pacific use the Internet as a channel to purchase products and services

Kuala Lumpur, 19 November 2008 – MasterCard Worldwide recently announced the launch of its revamped website MasterCard Moments, offering discerning cardholders a range of exceptional and experiential privileges.

The MasterCard Moments website is an online repository of exclusive privileges for travel luxuries, recreational pleasures, palatable gourmet experiences, retail therapy, and tailored wellness and relaxation programs. Some unique offerings that are debuting on MasterCard Moments include:
1. A rich cultural getaway in Siem Reap, with accommodation being the stylish Hotel de La Paix located a stone’s throw from the magnificent Angkor Wat. As part of the package, MasterCard cardholders get to enjoy a 20-minute scenic helicopter tour over the historic Angkor Wat and its surrounding sights, a one-day temple tour, and a 60-minute massage for two.
2. Four days of delightful dining at Six Senses Hideaway Samui for all gastro-trotters. While each night’s dinner at the hotel’s renowned restaurant Dining on the Rocks is undoubtedly among one of the highlights, the package also includes a cooking class for those looking to hone their skills, a premium wine tasting session, an exclusive half-day safari and a sunset cruise.
3. Golfing against the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean at Cape Kidnappers, hailed to be one of the great modern marvels in golf. Golf lovers are set for an amazing experience, as they tee off at the breathtaking course amidst the crashing waves and lush greenery. Besides being entitled to a complimentary game of golf as part of the package, cardholders will also enjoy a session of wine tasting with the resident Sommelier, a pampering massage and a tour to visit the Gannet Colony.
4. A refreshing and invigorating retreat at Banyan Tree Bintan, where cardholders will be pampered with a daily choice of spa treatments and massages, along with a fitness and wellness program specially tailored to their needs.

As part of the revamped site, cardholders can also look forward to improved site navigation, a richer visual experience, and smart features such as a ‘wish-list’ to not only store their favorite moments but also send on to their friends.

Consumers across Asia/Pacific use the Internet both as an important source of information gathering and a channel for purchasing products and services. Survey data from MasterCard reveals that 87% of consumers use the Internet daily, and that the amount of trade that is conducted electronically is seeing extraordinary growth.

According to MasterCard's Insights Report, Online Shopping in Asia/Pacific - Patterns, Trends and Future Growth, growth from online shopping is poised to further accelerate in Asia/Pacific and the online shopping population in the region is expected to reach 819.4 million by 2010.

In terms of total online shopping spend, the survey revealed that online shoppers in the region spent an average of US$612.40 online over a period of three months, with Singaporean ($770.70) and South Korean (US$707.50) consumers emerging as top spenders.

“Research shows that consumers across the region are researching and shopping more online, and searching for unique products and experiences. MasterCard has done extensive research to better cater to the lifestyle needs of our cardholders, and we are pleased to be launching the revamped MasterCard Moments website, offering cardholders easy access to a range of exclusive and unique offers,” said Natalie Lockwood, group head, Regional Marketing, Asia/Pacific, Middle East and Africa, MasterCard Worldwide.

For more information on these priceless delights, visit the MasterCard Moments website at www.mastercardmoments.com