Klook, the Hong Kong-headquartered experiences platform, and Mastercard have formalised a strategic partnership aimed at reshaping how travellers across Asia-Pacific discover, book, and pay for activities. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) outlines a three-pronged approach: boosting cardholder value, opening up new travel and lifestyle opportunities, and advancing payment innovation.
The collaboration comes as Klook's own research, the Travel Pulse 2026, points to a decisive shift towards experience-led itineraries. The survey of Asia-Pacific consumers found that 47% actively hunt for deals and discounts, while 42% book earlier to lock in better prices. More tellingly, over half of respondents now pick a destination based on specific activities rather than the reverse, and 73% say they would travel to lesser-known cities for unique events.
That behavioural change is pushing both companies to respond with tangible benefits. Mastercard cardholders will gain access to exclusive discounts and privileges on Klook's platform, with an initial focus on the year-end travel surge. The tie-up also opens the door to deeper data collaboration and pilot programmes around next-generation payment technologies, which could eventually streamline everything from booking to on-site redemption.
Executives see alignment in traveller demand
Eric Gnock Fah, Co-Founder and President of Klook, framed the partnership as a natural fit. "By combining Klook's experiences platform with Mastercard's global network and trusted payments infrastructure, we can help travellers discover more, unlock greater value, and spend less time planning," he said.
Peter Robejsek, Executive Vice President of Market Development Asia Pacific at Mastercard, echoed that sentiment. "Together, we're unlocking new ways for consumers to discover, access, and enjoy the experiences that matter most to them," he added.
The move is part of a broader trend in the region, where payments and travel are becoming increasingly intertwined. Mastercard has been expanding its travel footprint beyond traditional card benefits; its first Asia-Pacific dining club at Hong Kong airport is a recent example of how the network is embedding itself into the traveller journey. Similarly, co-branded cards are gaining traction, as seen in Hilton's new Mastercard partnership with Bank of Communications in China.
For travel sellers and agents, the Klook-Mastercard alliance signals a growing emphasis on value-added services. With travellers increasingly prioritising experiences over traditional sightseeing, platforms that can bundle seamless payment and curated activities are likely to gain an edge. The partnership also underscores the importance of data-driven personalisation, a theme that resonates across the region's push for operational cross-border strategies.
Klook's Travel Pulse 2026 data also highlights a willingness to explore secondary cities, a trend that could benefit destinations looking to disperse tourism. As more travellers seek authentic, event-driven trips, the ability to offer compelling local experiences becomes a competitive differentiator for both OTAs and traditional agents.
Looking ahead, the two companies plan to evaluate further collaboration opportunities, including advanced data analytics and new payment formats. While specific products have not been disclosed, the partnership is expected to evolve beyond simple discounts into a more integrated travel ecosystem.
For travel professionals, the takeaway is clear: the intersection of payments and experiences is becoming a key battleground. As Mastercard and Klook deepen their ties, expect more tailored offers, smoother checkout processes, and a stronger push towards activity-led travel planning across Asia-Pacific.
