Growing e-Commerce trend in Middle East spreads to cinema industry

With more than 50 percent of the GCC's online transactions being generated from online users in the UAE alone, Visa and the Middle East's largest cinema chain see opportunity in online sales and are set to capture movie-goers in the Emirates who will appreciate the convenience and safety of purchasing tickets online.

The new initiative was developed to reach a growing number of GCC online shoppers and allows Visa credit and debit card holders to purchase tickets and book preferred seats via the internet from Grand Cinemas' website, www.grandcinemas.com.

The innovative facility is expected to be welcomed by internet-savvy movie-goers in the UAE, comprising a vast majority of GCC web surfers who purchase online, as well as attracting new online shoppers. Furthermore, GCC e-commerce transactions account for approximately 40 percent of all online business in the central Europe, Middle East and Africa (CEMEA) region, considered to be one of Visa's fastest growing and most promising regions.

Visa cardholders utilising the new online facility will also be able to enjoy additional benefits such as selecting the best seats online, obtaining tickets before a show sells out and avoiding the hassle of queuing at the cinemas.

In launching Grand Cinemas' online ticket purchasing and booking service, which will commence on January 21, 2007, Visa and the cinema chain are giving customers the opportunity to win free cinema tickets.

Throughout 2007, Visa cardholders purchasing tickets online will be automatically entered into a draw to win monthly prize packages of cinema tickets for two. The prize value will be credited to a Grand Cinemas loyalty card to be redeemed at any Grand Cinemas theatre in the UAE.

Commenting on the initiative, Stephen Coakley, Marketing Communications Manager for Visa International in the Middle East said:

'Visa is committed to remaining at the forefront of payment technologies and setting new standards for the industry. We are especially proud that this new initiative will significantly change the way cinema tickets are purchased; this is yet another example of Visa utilising the latest technologies to address consumers' needs for convenience. By creating new payment channels which both consumers and merchants can benefit from, Visa has become the preferred local payment provider.'

'Visa payment cards have been chosen to allow online payments for cinema tickets because of their security features and market dominance. In addition to the convenience of purchasing tickets while in the comfort of your home or office, Visa cardholders can also enjoy special privileges and opportunities to win valuable prizes,' added Coakley.

Commenting on the joint promotion and launch of the e-ticketing service using Visa payment cards, Jean Ramia, Operations Director of Grand Cinema's parent company Gulf Film LLC said, 'We are excited about the launch of the Middle East's first online ticketing service which allows customers to enjoy the convenience of paying for cinema tickets online using their Visa credit or debit card. Visa was chosen as our partner because of the security and convenience which Visa cards offer and the efficiency which they provide.'

Visa is a leading payment solutions provider, allowing its customers to benefit from the safety, flexibility and convenience of using its payment cards by offering special promotions and expanding its network of merchants worldwide. This initiative by Visa and Grand Cinemas is a first, marking the entry of credit and debit card usage as a method of online payment for cinema tickets in the UAE.