‘Visa Nights’ in Jamaica: New initiative seeks to re-energise the local restaurant industry
Published:Thursday | April 29, 2021 | 12:23 AMKrysta Anderson/Gleaner Writer
Imagine finally giving in to the indulgence of exciting gastronomic experiences at the swipe of a card. This will all be possible between May 5 and July 28, when Jamaica hosts ‘Visa Nights’.
The initiative, geared towards re-energising the local restaurant industry, is tapping into the English-speaking Caribbean market, making Jamaica its first stop. According to Waldemar Cordero. Visa’s region head of marketing for Central America and the Caribbean, “Restaurants have been a place to meet, to celebrate special events, and create lasting memories.” And since the industry has been significantly impacted globally by economic challenges and shifts in the past year, the digital payments company is on a mission to collaborate with and grow local business. Some 20 restaurants in Kingston and St Andrew will participate.
Frank Gandarillas, senior business development leader, Caribbean Region, Visa, noted that there’s been a shift in consumers’ response and purchasing routines in the past year and with businesses embracing a new way of working, “[The] Visa Nights campaign is one way we hope to contribute to the upswing of the industry. Our cardholders get to indulge in their favourite meals or take on a new culinary adventure at a discounted price, while being rewarded with free gifts to complement their experience.”
Participating restaurants include Steakhouse on the Veranda, Dragon Court Restaurant, Jangas, Opa Greek Restaurant, Saffron Indian Cuisine, Reggae Mill Restaurant and Bar and Tamarind Indian Cuisine, just to name a few.
Under Visa Nights, there will be a 20 per cent discount at select restaurants, specialised menus and exclusive benefits for Visa debit and credit card owners. Patrons who dine at any of the participating restaurants on a Wednesday between 2 p.m. to close of business, will benefit from using their Visa debit or credit card. “Not everyone wants to go out and dine, so Visa Nights will give our cardholders the option to relax in the comfort of their home or office and treat themselves to a specially curated culinary delight at a discounted price,” Cordero added.