The Tribune

The number of Nassau/Paradise Island retailers participating in MasterCard’s Priceless Bahamas programme has increased by 55 per cent since it started in 2008, this year’s version featuring 56 merchants with 70 locations.

Launched in 2008 with 36 merchants, it was initially called the Find Your Way programme and evolved into Priceless Bahamas. Participating merchants represent six categories or ‘passion points’ that include culinary, sports, lodging, travel, culture, the arts and shopping.

“In 2013, Priceless Bahamas will continue to offer MasterCard cardholders unique experiences and exclusive benefits through a series of special offers designed to enhance the visitor experience,” said Rafael Puebla, MasterCard’s head of marketing for Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador and the Caribbean.

“In addition to discounts and offer benefits, cardholders will enjoy priceless experiences including access to exclusive celebrity events, excursions and unique cultural festival experiences.”

For the first time since the programme’s launch, two major hotels and two airlines have enlisted to join. MasterCard cardholders will be able to enjoy daily $10 resort credit for stays of three nights or longer at the Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort & Casino, as well as a 50 per cent discount to guests purchasing a day pass with their MasterCard at Compass Point Beach Resort.

New participating merchants also include Bahamasair and Sky Bahamas, which will offer travellers who pay with MasterCard 500 frequent flyer points at enrollment, and a free gift with purchase respectively. A total of 24 new merchants have been added to the annual programme.

“The Bahamas is without a doubt a key tourist hotspot in the Caribbean, and we are happy to partner with the Ministry of Tourism and merchant partners on this very important initiative. We have high expectations for 2013, and we hope to achieve even more successes than in previous years,” said Ray Merceron, MasterCard vice-president and territory head for the western Caribbean.

Returning major retailers include John Bull, Carlo Milano, Colombian Emeralds and Diamonds International.

The deputy-director general of tourism, Ellison ‘Tommy’ Thompson, added: “We’re excited to partner with MasterCard once again in 2013 as we continuously seek to support programmes that enrich the destination experience for visitors to our island. The value proposition provided by ‘Priceless Bahamas’ provides visitors with yet another reason to make the Bahamas their destination of choice. We are behind the program 100 per cent and truly encourage those planning a trip to take advantage of the extraordinary deals and live a ‘Priceless Experience’ in the Bahamas.”