Generative Data Intelligence

Alipay+ Enhances Global Tourism with Seamless Payments for CNY

Date:

Node: 4358020

Alipay+ has partnered with global merchants to launch exclusive Chinese New Year campaigns, offering promotions for its payment partner users in anticipation of the seasonal travel surge.

Alipay+ now supports over 35 international wallet and bank payment partners, connecting 1.6 billion user accounts to more than 90 million merchants in 66 markets. Recent additions to its partner network include Kaspi.kz (Kazakhstan) and BigPay (Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand).

Leading retailers such as Resorts World Sentosa, Marina Bay Sands, Central Retail, King Power, Pavilion KL, Lotte World, and many others are driving in-store and in-app engagement with enhanced rewards.

In China, travellers can use Alipay and 13 international payment apps to make seamless payments. Users of apps like AlipayHK, Mpay, Touch ‘n Go eWallet, TrueMoney, and GCash can access promotional offers in over 100 Consumer Friendly Zones in cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou.

SG report 2024

South Korea has over 2 million merchants accepting Alipay+, with tiered discounts available, and the NAMANE x Alipay+ Transit Pass Card, launched for nationwide use, simplifies travel on buses and subways.

In Japan, Alipay+ is accepted at over 3 million merchants, including top attractions like Tokyo SKYTREE.

In Southeast Asia, users can make payments via DuitNow in Malaysia, SGQR in Singapore, and enjoy promotions at retailers like Pavilion KL and Central Retail in Thailand.

The Philippines sees Alipay+ expanding with retailers like SM Supermalls and resorts such as Hennan Group of Resorts.

European destinations like the UK, France, and Italy also offer discounts for Alipay+ payment partner users, while the Middle East sees upsized rewards at duty-free stores in major airports like Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

A joint report by Ant International and IDC forecasts a 330% increase in tourism spending in Asia by 2027.

Douglas Feagin
Douglas Feagin

“Tourism is playing an increasingly significant role in local economies, accelerating growth for merchants across sectors, but businesses need to adapt to new digital habits and preferences,”

said Douglas Feagin, President of Ant International.

“Starting with mobile payments, Alipay+ offers merchants solutions to connect, engage and retain customers who want to leverage technology to enhance their travel experiences.”

Travellers can use their preferred payment apps, such as e-wallets, bank apps, and BNPL, to pay seamlessly at a variety of merchants.

Alipay+ is accepted at offline merchants in key Asian, European, and Middle Eastern destinations, providing a wide range of travel payment options.

The service supports interoperable payments across Asia through QR operators like PayPay in Japan, ZeroPay in South Korea, DuitNow in Malaysia, and SGQR in Singapore.

Alipay+ also offers A+Rewards, a destination marketing platform that allows merchants and tourism boards to engage directly with travellers, showcasing food, attractions, and exclusive promotions.

In Singapore, a collaboration with the Singapore Tourism Board lets travellers purchase discounted vouchers for use at taxis, shopping malls, and attractions.

Additionally, Alipay+ provides mini programme solutions, allowing users to book attractions, hail rides, and access tax refund services directly in the app.

The Geneva Tourism Bureau is using this solution to enhance the travel experience for tourists in Switzerland.

Featured image credit: edited from freepik

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