Visa, the largest electronic payments network in the world, has announced that it will launch a new and improved airport lounge access program for its Visa Infinite and Visa Signature cardholders in the MENA region.

The new program, LoungeKey, will offer unlimited, complimentary access to over 500 airport lounges worldwide, compared to the previous Lounge Access program of 40 lounges, and will cover all key travel destinations. The new program will also provide Visa Infinite cardholders the additional benefit of free lounge access for one guest per visit. Customers will also have access to a mobile application, website and 24/7 contact centre for any enquiries.

PJ Hill, Visas Head of Infrastructure and Platforms for CEMEA, said: We are delighted to announce an upgrade to the existing airport lounge access program for our Visa Infinite and Signature cardholders. Visa believes in delivering a seamless travel experience to its premium cardholders while they enjoy the safe and secure transaction experience that all Visa products offer. We are confident this upgrade will be well received by the discerning traveller.

LoungeKey will offer easy lounge access using the Visa card customers will have to simply register once on the dedicated website and then present their Visa Infinite or Visa Signature card at the lounge, referencing LoungeKey to gain access. Customers will also be able to pay for accompanying guests, over and above the free entitlement, directly at the lounge instead of making an advance purchase.
Customers who have previously registered for Lounge Access which officially ceases on 31 December 2014 - will need to register again on the LoungeKey program in a swift and simple process.

Visas extensive research on affluent segment preferences reveals travel as a key priority. Last May, Visa unveiled the results of its 2014 Affluent Study report, which showed that travel is set to grow as a third of those who travelled with their families plan to budget even more for the same in the year ahead. Four in five spend primarily overseas on family holidays at destinations including France, India, Maldives, Turkey, and USA.
A previous research conducted by Visa prior to the 2013 launch of its travel-focused Visa Signature card revealed that 62% of upper affluent customers travel within the region, with 50% choosing to stay at five-star hotels, while 95% travel internationally for both business and pleasure.