- The number of travelers using their Alipay+-supported home payment app while abroad increased three times
- Alipay+ evolved to include cross-border mobile payment, destination marketing and digital lifestyle services, giving merchants more ways than ever to connect with customers
- Alipay+ expands merchant coverage to more local stores, attractions, F&B and transportation, in line with preference to ‘travel like a local’
Alipay+, Ant International’s innovative cross-border mobile payment and digitalization solution, has announced new partnerships, broader merchant coverage, and exclusive user rewards just in time for the peak year-end travel season.
Now partnering with 35 international payment providers, Alipay+ connects global travelers to over 90 million merchants across 66 markets. Beyond enabling seamless mobile payments, Alipay+ has introduced an in-app destination marketing platform, A+ Rewards, offering digital lifestyle services to engage travelers. Available in leading superapps like Malaysia’s Touch ‘n Go eWallet, Thailand’s TrueMoney, the Philippines’ GCash, and South Korea’s Kakao Pay, the platform supports merchants in reaching their customers directly.
With international travel seeing a robust recovery in 2024 and tourism spending projected to grow by 33%, the industry is on track to surpass all records, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council. Douglas Feagin, President of Ant International, highlighted the broader impact of this growth: “Travel drives economic uplift for local communities and small businesses, a trend set to accelerate in 2025. Through innovation and partnerships, we aim to help businesses harness tourism growth while enhancing travelers’ experiences.”
Localized Travel Experiences and Promotions
Travelers are increasingly favoring localized experiences, with Alipay+ reporting significant growth in spending at Food & Beverage (F&B) outlets (+80%), attractions (+50%), and transportation services (+120%). By expanding acceptance across these essential categories, Alipay+ enables visitors to “travel like a local” while enjoying tailored promotions worldwide.
Highlights of Alipay+ Regional Coverage and Deals:
- Japan: Partnerships with PayPay and 3 million merchants, including local SMEs, attractions like Tokyo SKYTREE, and premium shopping locations.
- South Korea: Expanded acceptance at iconic destinations such as Myeong-dong Night Market, with promotions at 1.9 million merchants, Everland Theme Park, and more.
- Singapore: Now accepted at Mandai Wildlife Reserve and popular F&B outlets such as Toast Box and BreadTalk.
- Malaysia: Coverage at KLIA Express Rail Link and Pavilion KL, with connection to DuitNow QR across 2 million merchants.
- Thailand: Promotions with leading retailers like Central, Siam, and King Power, as well as at BTS trains and everyday conveniences.
- Philippines: Available at 140,000 merchants, including the Mall of Asia, one of the world’s largest shopping centers.
- Cambodia & Nepal: National standardized QR partnerships ease payments at over 1.8 million businesses combined.
- United Kingdom: Accepted at iconic locations such as Harrods and Bicester Village, along with cultural landmarks like Van Gogh House.
- Germany, France, Italy: Unique shopping festivals and instant cashback at renowned destinations, including Galeries Lafayettes and duty-free stores.
- Istanbul, Abu Dhabi, Dubai: Convenient payment options and discounts at key airports and malls, such as Dubai Mall and Istanbul Airport.
By combining cutting-edge technology and local partnerships, Alipay+ is shaping the future of global travel, offering both travelers and merchants unparalleled opportunities to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.
