The country's private banks plan to increase services including providing travel card to the holiday-makers to make their journey more comfortable in the winter season.

Mercantile Bank has taken a number of initiatives to expand facilities in this regard.

Deputy Managing Director of the Bank, Monindra Kumar Nath told the FE: As demand for travel card from travelers is increasing day by day, the bank is expanding the facilities.

Though we introduced 'International Card' only for SAARC countries' travelers, we would take initiatives to make the cards available for other countries, he said.

As demand for travel card is increased, the Bank is considering giving special services through cards to the travelers to earn extra money specially in winter season , Mr Nath said.

Interest rate would also be reduced on travel card because the customers are now demanding it more, Mr Nath said.

Mr Nath said normal interest rate would be imposed on travel cards so that card takers may enjoy holidays in winter season.

Mutual Trust Bank (MTB) is now thinking of introducing international credit card for the travelers.

Marketing chief of the Bank, Mohammed Sami-Al Hafiz told the FE that the Bank would give extra-ordinary facilities for overseas travelers through this card.

We would also provide facilities for domestic tourists, Mr Hafiz also said.

Travel card may hit the market this season as customers are desperate to get this as soon as possible specially in winter season, he said.

Social Islami Bank Ltd (SIBL) is now trying its best to increase facilities for the travelers.

Deputy Managing Director of the Bank, AMM Farhad told the FE: The Bank would introduce prepaid card for domestic travelers who will enjoy discount in the tourist zones of the country.

Prepaid card for domestic card is likely to be introduced during the period from January to February in the coming year, he said.

We have already finalised agreement with five residential hotels in Cox's Bazar so that the tourists having the cards can enjoy discount facilities, Mr Farhad said.

Mr Farhad said the  Bank promised to expand card facilities for both international and domestic travelers.

Managing director of BRAC Bank, Syed Mahbubur Rahman told the FE : The Bank would also give this facilities because of its high demand.

Source: The Financial Express/ Bangladesh/ 10th Dec 2011