Press Releases

07/22/2009

MasterCard and Starwood Hotels & Resorts Partner to Offer Cardholders Added Benefits in Latin America

Miami, July 22, 2009 − MasterCard Latin America and the Caribbean and Starwood Hotels & Resorts Latin America – one of the world’s leading hotel and leisure companies – today announced embarking on a multi-year strategic partnership that will offer MasterCard cardholders increased benefits, help boost the tourism industry and support MasterCard’s Affluent value proposition in the region. This effort is a tangible example of MasterCard’s strategy to partner with key players in the travel and entertainment industry to continue bringing value to cardholders. 

For this season’s vacation plans, MasterCard cardholders can book their stay in more than 40 Starwood Hotels & Resorts in Latin America. Guests can choose between two unique possibilities, pay two nights and get one night free or obtain a special 25% off in stays of 5 nights or more when they pay with MasterCard cards, www.starwoodhotels.com/ladmastercard.

“Our partnership with Starwood is even more important now during these tough economic times when consumers are trying to get more value for their money on their long-awaited vacations or their business trips,” said Patricio Rubalcaba, head of Strategic Partnerships for MasterCard and Latin America region. “Through the programs generated from our partnership with Starwood we will continue enriching our value proposition to MasterCard cardholders, financial institutions and the tourism industry in the Latin America and Caribbean region.”
"We are thrilled to be working more closely with MasterCard in Latin America and we believe this agreement represents a great opportunity to benefit MasterCard’s cardholders and grow our business" said Trip Barrett, vice president of Brand Management for Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Latin America Division. “MasterCard cardholders staying at the Starwood Hotels & Resorts in Latin America will enjoy of a combination of the best travel experiences available.”
Starwood Hotels and Resorts’ global portfolio of renowned brands includes: St. Regis®, Luxury Collection, W®, Le Méridien®, Sheraton®, Westin®, Four Points® by Sheraton, and the newest brands Aloft® and Element SM .

MasterCard cardholders booking their stay by September 30, 2009 will enjoy extra nights and great rates in spectacular hotels and resorts across South America, Central America and Mexico. 
For more details and terms and conditions, visit: www.starwoodhotels.com/ladmastercard

About MasterCard Worldwide
MasterCard Worldwide advances global commerce by providing a critical economic link among financial institutions, businesses, cardholders and merchants worldwide. As a franchisor, processor and advisor, MasterCard develops and markets payment solutions, processes approximately 21 billion transactions each year, and provides industry-leading analysis and consulting services to financial-institution customers and merchants. Powered by the MasterCard Worldwide Network and through its family of brands, including MasterCard®, Maestro® and Cirrus®, MasterCard serves consumers and businesses in more than 210 countries and territories. For more information go to www.mastercard.com.

About Starwood Hotels
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with 960 properties in 97 countries and 145,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood Hotels is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels, resorts and residences with the following internationally renowned brands: St. Regis®, The Luxury Collection®, W®, Westin®, Le Méridien®, Sheraton®, Four Points® by Sheraton, and the recently launched Aloft®, and Element SM.  Starwood Hotels also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts. For more information, please visit www.starwoodhotels.com.

Aimee Alvarez, MasterCard Latin America and the Caribbean, aimee_alvarez@mastercard.com,
+305-536-9448
Laura Canepa, Senior Director of Public Relations, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Latin America Division, laura.canepa@starwoodhotels.com, +5411-4318-9397