Mandarin Oriental and UnionPay International entered into a Global Partnership Agreement, which will allow for closer cooperation on distribution and joint promotions.

UnionPay International promotes the international issuance and usage of the UnionPay Credit Card.  Attending the signing ceremony at the newly-opened Mandarin Oriental Pudong, Shanghai were Mr. Michael Hobson, Chief Marketing Officer of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, and Mr. Lixin Wang, Chief Business Development Officer of UnionPay International.

"We are very pleased to be partnering with UnionPay International," said Michael Hobson. "China is already Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group's second largest market, and we predict that it will become our largest market within the next five years. UnionPay cards is the most important credit card system in China and one with a rapid global expansion plan. As such, UnionPay International is an important long term strategic partner.

The UnionPay card is currently already accepted at almost all of the Group's hotels in Asia and Europe, and the rest of the Group's properties are scheduled to accept the card within the next twelve months. Mandarin Oriental is also one of the first international hotel groups to offer UnionPay as an option for guaranteeing online bookings via its website.

UnionPay International will also support the Group's continued growth on the mainland. Mandarin Oriental, Sanya opened in 2009 and has been joined by Mandarin Oriental, Guangzhou and Mandarin Oriental Pudong, Shanghai, both of which opened earlier this year. Hotels in Beijing and Chengdu are also scheduled to open within the next few years.

UnionPay's convenient and efficient payment service has been welcomed by both merchants and cardholders in mainland China and abroad – its acceptance network has already expanded to over 140 countries. In addition, UnionPay cards are now issued in over 30 countries. The partnership between UnionPay International and Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group will offer UnionPay cardholders the opportunity to enjoy special benefits and UnionPay payment at 17 luxury hotels around the world, as well as providing an opportunity to cooperate on distribution, reservations and promotions.

"UnionPay International is expanding its cooperation with industries at home and abroad, providing convenient and preferential payment in travelling and consumption abroad for UnionPay cardholders. Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group is one of the world's leading hotel groups with the advantage of brand influence and service, which fits with UnionPay's network. This partnership enhances the experience for our cardholders when booking at Mandarin Oriental hotels." said Mr. Lixin Wang, Chief Business Development Officer of UnionPay International.