MasterCard, Virtuoso Expand Partnership

MasterCard and Virtuoso are expanding the partnership that began with the successful "Book the Baltic" promotion. The credit card company is issuing a new card, World Elite MasterCard, aimed at attracting affluent households with more than $250,000 of annual income. The card provides a slew of travel benefits, including complimentary companion airfare with the purchase of full-fare business class tickets on certain airlines, tailored shore excursions on certain cruises, and preferred rates at various hotels. Under the deal, World Elite MasterCard members must book with a Virtuoso agent in order to receive the accrued benefits.