Enhancing Connections with Travellers through Mobile Payments, Destination Marketing, and Exclusive Campaigns
- The number of travellers using Alipay+ supported payment apps abroad has tripled.
- Alipay+ integrates cross-border payments, destination marketing, and digital services to strengthen merchant connections.
- Expanded merchant coverage supports localised travel experiences across food, attractions, and transport.
Singapore, 15 January 2025 – Alipay+, a cross-border payment and digitalisation solution from Ant International, has announced its growing network of payment partners, extended global merchant coverage, and exclusive rewards for users, aligning with the peak year-end travel season.
Now partnering with 35 payment providers worldwide, Alipay+ connects global travellers to over 90 million merchants across 66 countries. This development extends beyond payments, incorporating destination marketing via its A+ Rewards platform—available on over ten superapps such as Malaysia’s Touch ‘n Go eWallet and South Korea’s Kakao Pay—offering merchants innovative ways to reach customers.
With international travel rebounding, the World Travel and Tourism Council predicts a record-breaking year in 2024, with a 33% surge in global tourism expenditure.
Douglas Feagin, President of Ant International, stated, “Tourism drives immense benefits to local economies, uplifting communities and small businesses. We aim to empower businesses to harness tourism growth while adapting to evolving traveller preferences through partnerships and innovation.”
Promoting Localised Experiences and Tailored Offers
Travellers’ spending patterns reveal a growing preference for local experiences, with an 80% rise in food and beverage spending, a 50% increase in attractions, and a 120% surge in transport. Alipay+’s expanded coverage across these categories allows users to immerse themselves in authentic local cultures.
Moreover, exclusive promotions are available across top global destinations, such as:
- Japan: Connections to over 3 million merchants, including local eateries, souvenir shops, and major attractions like Tokyo SKYTREE and department stores.
- South Korea: Expansions include iconic spots like Myeong-dong Night Market and promotions at over 1.9 million ZeroPay merchants.
- Singapore: Coverage includes Mandai Wildlife Reserve, Toast Box, BreadTalk, and the historical Lau Pa Sat food market.
- Malaysia: Enhanced convenience with KLIA Express integration and connections to Pavilion KL shopping mall.
- Thailand: Partnerships with Central and King Power retailers and transit services like BTS trains.
- Philippines: Alipay+ supports over 140,000 merchants, including Mall of Asia.
Alipay+ has also introduced national QR code partnerships in Cambodia (KHQR) and Nepal (NepalPay QR), streamlining payments at over 1 million and 875,000 businesses, respectively.
Expanding Reach Across Europe and the Middle East
European travellers benefit from tailored promotions at premier destinations:
- United Kingdom: Acceptance at Van Gogh House and major retailers like Harrods and Selfridges.
- Germany: The “German Shopping Festival” offers discounts and festive experiences.
- France: Cashback offers at top Parisian retail landmarks.
- Italy: Duty-free shopping enhancements at Rome Airport and nationwide cashback incentives.
In the Middle East, Alipay+ is now operational at Unifree Duty Free in Istanbul and key retail centres in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, offering direct discounts.
