UnionPay International announced on Thursday that its global cardholder preferential service program this year will include a discount of up to 12 percent upon purchases in airport duty-free stores around the world.

The program offered by the provider of global payment services for UnionPay cards with card numbers starting with 62 will enable cardholders to access 70 duty-free shops across 60 major airports in more than 20 countries and regions.

The program is so far the largest promotion project worldwide for UnionPay card holders, said Seline Hsu, general manager of marketing and branding department with UnionPay International.

From April 1 to June 30, UnionPay cardholders, when shopping in duty-free shops in UnionPay partner airports, will be provided with an extended discount of 5 to 10 percent.

The airports selected to participate are those with the highest international passenger flows, and the UnionPay card program partners include DFS, World Duty Free, Nuance, Gebr Heinemann, Ever Rich Duty Free, Lotte Duty Free and King Power Duty Free.

"Convenient and inexpensive duty free shopping at airports is an essential part of the international travel itineraries for most tourists and is a highlight of the travel experience for many," said Cai Jianbo, CEO of UnionPay International.

UnionPay's international payment network has grown to more than 12 million merchants. Over 1.1 million ATMs worldwide accept payments or cash withdrawals with UnionPay cards.