Mastercard and the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotions Bureau (SLTPB) are offering opportunities for Indian travellers to avail the convenience of cashless payments and discounts on dining, shopping and staying in Sri Lanka.
This is part of their ongoing strategic efforts to jointly promote Sri Lanka as a preferred destination in key markets.
Travellers with Mastercard debit and credit cards issued in India will enjoy exciting offers including discounts on holiday packages and air tickets to Sri Lanka booked through partnering travel websites as well as savings of up to 25 percent at select partner hotels, restaurants, and retail stores.
Supported by a pan-India marketing drive by Mastercard, this collaboration has been set to drum up greater interest in Sri Lanka among Indian travellers.
Minister of Tourism Development, John Amaratunga described the move by Mastercard as a welcome development.
“I congratulate Mastercard for pioneering this initiative with the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotions Bureau to promote Sri Lanka as the preferred destination for the discerning Indian travellers.
Be it for leisure, shopping or business, the incentives on offers coupled with the cashless convenience factor would definitely help card users discover more of Sri Lanka,” he said.
Managing Director, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotions Bureau, Sutheash Balasubramaniam said, “We believe that this new partnership with Mastercard will encourage cross border tourism between India and Sri Lanka.
“Easy connectivity with short haul flights from India and favourable currency exchange rate will serve as the perfect package for the travellers,” he said.
Senior Vice President, Account Management, Mastercard, Vikas Varma said, “Mastercard is delighted to partner with Sri Lanka Tourism Board to boost cashless tourism and further enhance the Sri Lanka experience. ”
Country Manager, Sri Lanka and Maldives, Mastercard, R. B. Santosh Kumar said, “Mastercard has beenworking closely with all stakeholders across the public and private sectors in Sri Lanka for more than three decades.
Their local insights together with our suite of world-class electronic payment solutions and global expertise has helped Mastercard deliver greater value to Sri Lankan businesses and consumers.
This year, Sri Lanka is expecting 440,000 visitors from India, according to an estimate by the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau.