RIVERWOODS, IL & LONDON, England – Discover Financial Services, which operates the Discover Global Network including Discover Network, Diners Club International, PULSE and affiliated networks, and the British Hospitality Association (BHA), the trade association for hospitality and tourism organizations in the UK, announced an agreement in which Discover Financial Services will provide tourism insights, strategic guidance and industry support to the entire BHA membership.
As part of the agreement with the BHA, Discover Financial Services will serve as a thought leader on various topics around hospitality and UK travel trends by leveraging insights across the Discover Global Network. They will share know-how, intelligence and expertise on the market, as well as technological advancements and any industry developments with all BHA members and the wider hospitality community.
โThis agreement is an example of how our international expansion is focused on building relationships with key organizations such as the BHA, which benefits our cardholders travelling and living around the globe,โ said Gerry Wagner, vice president, Discover Financial Services. โWorking with the BHA will also help drive more acceptance for millions of cards that are issued on our network and keep us top of mind with relevant merchants in this sector.โ
Additionally, Discover will be a sponsor of the 2015 BHA Hospitality & Tourism Summit, and a representative is slated to speak with attendees regarding the payments industry and how it relates to hospitality and tourism. Together, both organizations will also facilitate events providing BHA members with a platform to learn, gather insights and network.
โWeโre delighted to have Discover Financial Services as a partner. Diners Club, a part of Discover Global Network, has a 50-year heritage and is a pioneer in its field, offering the first independent credit card for the travel industry,โ said Ufi Ibrahim, Chief Executive of the BHA. โFast forward 50 years, Diners Club remains pivotal for well-travelled individuals from around the globe and is a well-respected member of the hospitality community.โ
Discover Global Network is the third largest payments network in the world and the largest merchant acceptance network in Asia-Pacific, with more than 30 million merchant acceptance locations and 1 million ATM and cash access locations across 185 countries and territories. Discover Global Network includes Discover, Diners Club International, PULSE and affiliated networks.