Nassau, Bahamas - Four local businesses -- a restaurant and three luxury retailers -- recently came up winners in the MasterCard-Ministry of Tourism “Find Your Way” initiative, walking away with an early Christmas present of cash from the international credit and debit card company for being number one in the increase of MasterCard sales volume for the month. The awards are part of the "Find Your Way" program providing participating merchants the opportunity to offer cardholders exclusive benefits and offers.

The most recent winners were Kafe Kalik restaurant at Lynden Pindling International Airport, Carlo Milano and Effy Jewellers of Bay Street and A la Plage, Marina Village, Paradise Island. Each received international recognition and a cheque for $1000, rewarding them for their performance.

"The outstanding performance of our winning merchants is indicative of what can happen when we give priority to our visitors’ experience,” said Bernadette Bastian, Manager, Ministry of Tourism’s People-to-People. “As a result, not only did our winners benefit from a better bottom line, but through their offers, visitors felt they got more value during their stay in Nassau."

The “Find Your Way” promotion encourages visitors to Nassau and Paradise Island to use their MasterCards for purchases by offering special incentives.

Currently in its third year, the 2011 Program boasts 46 participating merchants including retailers, rental car companies, restaurants, attractions, spa experiences and excursions. Participants choose a gift or incentive they want to offer to customers who pay for goods or services with MasterCard. “It's programs like MasterCard’s “Find Your Way” that bring added excitement to the visitor’s shopping experience,” said Ashley Outten of A La Plage, one of the winning merchants. “And for us, what better way to close a sale than by offering a benefit to our valuable customers?"

As part of the “Find Your Way” program, MasterCard is also hosting a sweepstake where any MasterCard cardholder who resides or visit the island can participate. Prizes are raffled every quarter and include eight MasterCard Debit Cards of $250 each and four weekends stays at the British Colonial Hilton in Nassau. The program is set to enter its fourth year with the Ministry of Tourism as a partner.