The Ministry of Tourism (MoT), Government of India, has signed a two-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Mastercard to elevate India’s position as a premium global travel destination and strengthen the country’s tourism value chain. Under this collaboration, Mastercard will leverage its international platforms—especially the globally recognised Priceless programme—to showcase India’s rich cultural, spiritual, natural, and culinary heritage to travellers worldwide. In addition to collaboratively carrying out marketing campaigns catered to various traveler segments, the partnership seeks to involve both public and private stakeholders in promoting safe and responsible digital payment practices. Starting with Goa, priceless.com will feature curated and rare experiences, followed by Varanasi and destinations across interior Andhra Pradesh, with more immersive journeys to be added over time.
According to tourist Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, the collaboration will enhance international interaction with India’s thriving tourist industry by showcasing the country’s varied experiences in more creative and significant ways. As the Knowledge Partner in this effort, the Ministry will identify critical travel corridors and engage with State Tourism Boards, the Archaeological Survey of India, and the Ministry of Culture to design meaningful and high-impact visitor experiences across India. Mastercard’s global marketing leadership will also play a crucial role, with Chief Marketing & Communications Officer Raja Rajamannar underlining the company’s commitment to bringing India’s incredible tales closer to tourists while supporting smooth and safe digital payments.
Gautam Aggarwal, President of Mastercard India & South Asia, underlined that boosting digital payment acceptance across the tourism ecosystem will empower local communities, strengthen the broader tourism value chain, and assist India’s rising digital economy. In addition to promoting tourism, the 24-month Memorandum of Understanding will support seamless digital transactions for both domestic and foreign travelers, promote the use of safe payment systems, and investigate cutting-edge co-branded payment products associated with famous Indian locations.
