| Bank Audi, MasterCard announce campaign offering cash prizes to lure tourists |
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| Saturday,February 28,2009 Posted: 16:02 BJT(0802 GMT) net |
28 February 2009
BEIRUT: Bank AudiBank AudiBank Audi
Audi Saradar Group
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on Friday announced a joint campaign with MasterCard Worldwide and the Tourism MinistryTourism Ministry aimed at drawing tourists to Lebanon during the spring and summer seasons by offering MasterCard holders chances to win cash prizes.
Lebanon hosted over 1.4 million expatriates and tourists in 2008, according to Tourism Minister Elie Marouni and, who said his ministry remains determined to attract large numbers of visitors this year to take advantage of the country's culture and landscapes.
"The 'Shop and Win with Lebanon' campaign allows us to cater to the needs of the tourism sector while contributing to the economic development of Lebanon," Marouni added.
Beginning March 1 and ending on August 31, 2009, the six-month campaign will automatically enter any MasterCard holder who uses their card at any of the 4,800 participating merchants to win one of 30 prizes including five draws of $5,000 and 25 draws worth $1,000. Chances to win the cash are doubled for tourists visiting Lebanon.
Bank AudiBank AudiBank Audi
Audi Saradar Group
Lebanon | Financial Services
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Last: 40.000 USD - 2.30 -5.440%
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's head of electronic banking and business development Randa Bdeir said the idea for the shopping spree in Lebanon was inspired by the bank's commitment to support the country's tourism industry. She also touted a recent New York Times tourist guide that rated Beirut as the number one tourist destination among 44 cities.
"We are delighted to be able to offer our Bank AudiBank AudiBank Audi
Audi Saradar Group
Lebanon | Financial Services
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Last: 40.000 USD - 2.30 -5.440%
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merchant network a tool to boost their sales by including them in this promotion and," Bdeir said, "to give all MasterCard card holders visiting Lebanon the chance to win great prizes by using their cards at our merchant network."
MasterCard Worldwide general manager Denzil Lawson said his company has had solid experience with similar shopping campaigns in other countries including Singapore, where, he said, MasterCard is successful at bringing in millions of retail dollars during certain periods. He also promised that his company would spread word of the campaign to the tens of millions of MasterCard users throughout the Middle East.
"That's a tremendous opportunity for people to have a wonderful retail experience in Lebanon," Lawson said. "I'd like to think that this will be a starting point for building a great shopping festival in Lebanon in the years going forward to couple and uplift the fabulous travel experience the country offers."
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