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MA's Klook partnership targets APAC's experience-led travel boom, offering new cardholder perks while opening more travel spending touchpoints.
Mastercard $MA Incorporated MA is expanding its reach in Asia Pacific’s travel ecosystem through a new collaboration with Klook, as consumers increasingly prioritize experiences when planning trips. The companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding to develop more rewarding travel offerings, combining Klook’s regional experiences platform with Mastercard’s global payments infrastructure.
The partnership centers on enhancing Mastercard cardholder value, expanding access to travel and lifestyle experiences and exploring innovative payment solutions. Exclusive discounts and privileges are planned for Mastercard cardholders during the year-end travel period, while the companies intend to develop additional entertainment benefits as the relationship expands. This could give Mastercard another channel to deepen engagement with travelers.
The opportunity reflects a broader shift in APAC travel behavior. Klook’s 2026 research found that 47% of consumers actively seek deals, discounts and bundled offers, while 73% are willing to visit lesser-known cities for unique events. Moreover, 23% choose destinations based on specific activities, pointing to growing demand for experience-led travel. For Mastercard, embedding its network into these spending journeys could support greater card usage across travel, dining, entertainment and attractions, potentially driving higher-value cross-border transactions.
