Beirut, Lebanon:7 April, 2015 –Travelingcomes with its share of risks and hassles, especially with regards tocarrying and spending money securely. Issues with currency exchange rates, finding an ATM and the worry of personal safety when carrying cash can be avoided by traveling smart and going cashless, according to Visa Inc. (NYSE:V), a global payments technology company.
While electronic payments are seeing positive growth in Lebanon, and with international travel on the rise in the country, Visa aims to raise awareness and educate consumers on the many benefits of cashless transactions while traveling abroad.
To promote its cashless travel message,Visa has launched ‘Take off and land a MINI’ promotion to reward cardholders in Lebanon, for choosing electronic payments over cash transactions in overseas destinations. Running over two months, from 1st April till 31st May 2015, the promotion will give every Visa cardholder in Lebanon a chance to enter a draw to win one of two cars – the 2016MINI – for every $100 spent abroad using a Visacard. The promotion is valid on any Visa debit, credit or prepaid card issued by all partner banks in Lebanon.
The ‘Take off and land a MINI’ promotion will be supported by advertising and direct marketing campaigns, in tandem with partner banks. All Visa cardholders may be eligible to enter the draw one or more times, based on all cross-border purchases made during the two-month promotion period that is confirmed by the issuing bank.
Nabil Tabbara,General Manager for the Levant region at Visa, said: “For the thousands of people in Lebanon, planning their vacation or business trips abroad, one of the main priorities is always to have easy access to funds. But those who choose to carry large cash reserves fail to truly grasp the costs attached, especially when changing currency and the dangers of theft. By contrast, electronic payments allow consumers to conveniently carry their funds in a card, and exercise greater caution while transacting.
“Through the‘Take off and land a MINI’ promotion, our objective is to effectively communicate the advantages of going cashless while traveling. Besides the promise of safe and secure transactions, Visa products are also accepted at millions of merchants around the world, making it easier to make large or small purchases – from hotel stays to coffee shops or restaurants – using a Visa card. As the currency of choice for travellers, Visa can promise peace of mind every step of the way.”
Apart from itswidespread acceptance, cardholders can also take advantage of Visa’s travel-specific benefits available on the Visa Platinum, Signature and Infinite cards. While these may differ for every card issuer, the advantages range from earning airline miles, to having airport lounge access and discounts at hotels, restaurants and other retailers across the globe. In addition, Visa cardholders can download for free the Visa Explore mobile app that will serve as a single access point for all Visa offers and privileges, including dining, shopping and entertainment promotions, anywhere they are in the world.