As the travel industry moves into 2025, Alipay+, Ant International’s cross-border mobile payment and digitalisation solution, is playing a pivotal role in welcoming travellers for the first peak of the year—Chinese New Year. By leveraging its extensive network of 90 million merchants worldwide, Alipay+ continues to simplify payments and offer exclusive digital services that engage tourists from across the globe.
Global Reach and Seamless Payments for 1.6 Billion Users
With over 35 international wallet and bank payment partners, Alipay+ now connects 1.6 billion user accounts to an ever-expanding network of merchants across 66 markets. The recent addition of Kaspi.kz from Kazakhstan and BigPay from Southeast Asia further strengthens the platform’s reach, ensuring more users can enjoy seamless payment experiences in their home countries and while travelling abroad.
Exclusive Chinese New Year Campaigns to Engage Tourists
In anticipation of the seasonal travel surge, Alipay+ has partnered with leading global retailers, tourism hubs, and duty-free stores to launch exclusive promotions for Alipay+ payment users. Merchants such as Resorts World Sentosa, Marina Bay Sands, Lotte World, Pavilion KL, and more than 100,000 stores worldwide are rolling out enticing rewards and discounts, both in-store and in-app, to welcome the influx of international travellers this Chinese New Year.
Tailored Experiences Across Key Travel Destinations
Alipay+ is expanding its footprint in key tourist hotspots, making it easier for travellers to explore and shop seamlessly. In China, users of AlipayHK, Mpay, Touch ‘n Go eWallet, TrueMoney, and GCash will gain access to exclusive promotional packs across over 100 Consumer Friendly Zones in cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, ensuring a hassle-free payment experience.
Meanwhile, in South Korea, users can enjoy tiered discounts at over 2 million merchants and explore additional benefits in popular districts like Myeongdong and Dongdaemun. In Japan, more than 3 million merchants, including izakayas and top attractions, are now accepting Alipay+ payments, enabling visitors to enjoy local experiences effortlessly.
Growth in Southeast Asia and Beyond
Southeast Asia is also seeing significant growth, with Alipay+ driving further adoption in countries like Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand. Users in the Philippines can now access promotions at SM Supermalls and Hennan Group of Resorts, adding to the festive shopping experience.
Alipay+ is also ramping up its presence in Europe and the Middle East, offering special discounts in major tourist cities like London, Paris, and Dubai. With more than 400,000 merchants accepting Alipay+ payments in Europe, travellers can take advantage of rewards while shopping, dining, and exploring local attractions.
Empowering Small Businesses and Supporting Digital Transformation
More than 90% of Alipay+ merchants are MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises), empowering these businesses to grow by accepting multiple international payment apps. Alipay+ offers a unified solution that not only benefits large retailers but also supports smaller establishments looking to attract international visitors.
Through partnerships with key digital platforms like AirAsia MOVE and Booking.com, Alipay+ continues to innovate, simplifying the payments process and enhancing the travel experience for all.
Innovative Digital Solutions for a Seamless Travel Experience
Alipay+ is further enhancing travel experiences with its in-app marketing platform, A+Rewards. This feature allows merchants and tourism boards to directly engage travellers, offering them a chance to experience local culture, food, and attractions. For example, in Singapore, travellers can purchase a discounted voucher pack for use at top attractions like Sentosa and Mandai Wildlife Reserve.
Moreover, Alipay+ is pioneering mini-program solutions, allowing travellers to book attractions, ride hailing, and tax refunds directly within the app, eliminating the need for additional apps or physical forms. In Switzerland, the Geneva Tourism Bureau is leveraging this solution to create a seamless travel experience for visitors during the Chinese New Year period.
Looking Forward to a Year of Growth
As global tourism rebounds, Alipay+ continues to provide merchants with cutting-edge tools to enhance customer engagement and retention. By offering mobile payment solutions and digital services, Alipay+ is ensuring that both travellers and businesses can make the most of the upcoming travel surge in 2025.
“Tourism is an increasingly significant driver of local economies, and businesses must adapt to the evolving digital landscape to capture the growth potential,” said Douglas Feagin, President of Ant International. Alipay+ is committed to driving innovation in business solutions, enabling companies to capitalise on the ongoing growth in global tourism.
