Strategic partnership to streamline payment solutions and elevate traveller experience, introducing over 40 new payment methods across 8 key Asian markets
Booking.com, a global leader in travel services, has joined forces with Antom, a prominent merchant payment and digitization provider under Ant International, to revolutionize the payment experience for travelers in Asia. This strategic partnership introduces a diverse range of payment options, enhancing convenience and accessibility for Booking.com customers across key Asian markets.
The collaboration is set to deliver a tailored customer experience across markets in China’s Hong Kong SAR, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, and the Philippines—regions collectively home to approximately 680 million people. Each of these markets presents unique challenges, including diverse payment methods, currencies, and regulatory frameworks. Antom, leveraging its extensive network of payment channel partnerships and expertise in local payment landscapes, is well-equipped to navigate this complexity and support Booking.com in delivering seamless transactions.
Unlocking Opportunities with Antom’s Cutting-Edge Capabilities
Antom’s robust infrastructure spans over 40 countries and regions, enabling the integration of hundreds of payment methods while supporting transactions in more than 100 currencies. By utilizing AI-driven solutions, Antom enhances transaction security, optimizes foreign exchange risk management, and reduces costs for businesses. Its offerings include real-time payments, blockchain solutions, and a variety of global payment options, such as credit cards, e-wallets, and localized payment methods. Antom also provides digital marketing and business digitization solutions, empowering merchants to achieve sustained growth.
Enhancing Booking.com’s Payment Ecosystem
Booking.com is dedicated to simplifying travel experiences, with seamless payment processes at the core of its mission. Through its partnership with Antom, the platform will gradually roll out over 40 payment options, including digital wallets, online banking, and local card payments. Leading mobile wallets such as AlipayHK (Hong Kong SAR, China), GCash (the Philippines), GrabPay (Singapore), Kakao Pay (South Korea), and TrueMoney (Thailand) are among the first to be integrated. This expanded payment flexibility ensures that travelers can use their preferred methods, streamlining transactions and making booking easier and more accessible.
Empowering Global Providers and Local Businesses
By integrating Antom’s multi-currency and cross-border settlement capabilities, Booking.com is enabling accommodation providers worldwide to optimize payment acceptance and reconciliation in diverse markets. Smaller properties and holiday rentals, often lacking access to traditional payment infrastructures, stand to benefit significantly from this partnership, gaining the tools to compete effectively on a global scale.
Daniel Marovitz, Senior Vice President of Fintech at Booking.com, emphasized the significance of the partnership:
“Collaborating with Antom allows us to streamline and enhance the payment experience for travelers across Asia Pacific, integrating a broader range of local payment options that align with regional preferences. This partnership reflects our dedication to providing a seamless travel experience, from booking to checkout, while supporting local businesses in navigating the digital landscape.”
Gary Liu, General Manager of Antom, Ant International, echoed these sentiments:
“We’re thrilled to partner with Booking.com to expand payment options, broaden customer reach across diverse markets, and empower the platform to better serve the unique needs of each region. This collaboration underscores our mission to make payments more efficient and unlock new growth opportunities for merchants in today’s dynamic economy.”
Together, Booking.com and Antom are poised to redefine payment experiences for travelers and merchants, fostering innovation and accessibility in the rapidly evolving Asia Pacific travel landscape.
