Alipay+, Ant International’s cross-border mobile payment and digitalisation technology solution, announced new payment partners, expanded global merchant coverage with more key travel scenarios, and introduced exclusive rewards for its partners’ users in time for the year-end peak travel season.
Alipay+ now has 35 international payment partners, serving more global travellers and connecting them to more than 90 million merchants in 66 markets. Other than seamless cross-border mobile payments, Alipay+ has grown to include an in-app destination marketing platform and digital lifestyle services, giving merchants more direct channels to reach and engage customers. For example, its destination marketing platform, A+ Rewards, is available in more than 10 leading superapps, including Touch ‘n Go eWallet from Malaysia, TrueMoney from Thailand, GCash from the Philippines and Kakao Pay from South Korea.
Travel has rebounded significantly in 2024, and according to the World Travel and Tourism Council, the tourism industry will break all records in 2024, with international spending increasing by 33%.
“Travel has a significant impact to local and regional economies, uplifting communities, small businesses and livelihoods, as we have seen in 2024, which will continue to accelerate into 2025,” said Douglas Feagin, President of Ant International. “Through a combination of innovation and partnerships with regulators, tourism organisations and merchants, we aim to help more businesses leverage the opportunities that tourism growth brings, while continually enhancing the travel experience for travellers in line with their changing preferences.”
Alipay+ expands merchant coverage, empowering global consumers to ‘travel like a local’
Travel habits have shifted, and travellers are increasingly spending more on localised experiences, with 80% increase on Food & Beverage (F&B) merchants, 50% increase for attractions and 120% increase on transportation such as ride-hailing, taxis and trains. Alipay+’s expanded acceptance at these essential travel scenarios will enable travellers to ‘travel like a local this year-end and beyond.
In addition to the expanded coverage, Alipay+ is also introducing exclusive promotions in all top destinations around the world, working closely with partners to offer travellers the best deals.
- Japan: Alipay+ now connects with over 3 million merchants, following its expanded partnership with PayPay, with a significant number being local SMEs like izakayas, wagashi shops, snack stores, anime merchandise shops, and guesthouses. Travellers can enjoy special rewards at these local stores and at top attractions like Tokyo SKYTREE, Tokyo Solamachi, TOKYO mizumachi, and Ekimise Asakusa, and top merchants such as airport shops, department stores, premium shopping malls, electronics and appliance retailers, and health and beauty stores.
- South Korea: Alipay+ expanded to iconic local destinations such as Myeong-dong Night Market in Seoul, Nami Island Night Market in Gangwon-do, and Aewol Café Street in Jeju. Tourists can also use Alipay+'s partner payment apps to pay for bus rides in Jeju and taxis in Seoul. Travellers can enjoy promotions at more than 1.9 million ZeroPay merchants and other attractions and merchants such as Everland Theme Park, GS25 convenience stores and more.
- Singapore: Travellers can better enjoy the renowned attractions and food in Singapore, with Alipay+ recently accepted at Mandai Wildlife Reserve, which includes the Singapore Zoo, Night Safari and Bird Paradise, and expanded F&B merchants which includes top foodie experiences such as CHAGEE, Toast Box and BreadTalk, and historical food site, Lau Pa Sat.
- Malaysia: Alipay+ makes it easier for travellers commuting between the airport and city with its acceptance at KLIA Express Rail Link in the capital. Pavilion KL, one of the top shopping malls with a wide collection of international and local brands and food also joins as one of the latest Alipay+ partners. Alipay+ is additionally connected with DuitNow QR with close to 2 million merchants.
- Thailand: Exclusive promotions at leading retailers under Central, Siam and King Power, and everyday conveniences such as 7-Eleven, BigC, Boots and BTS trains.
- Philippines: Alipay+ has grown its coverage in key cities in the Philippines and is now accepted by more than 140,000 merchants, including the Mall of Asia, one of the largest shopping malls in the world.
- Cambodia, Nepal: Alipay+ recently enabled new national standardised QR partnerships in Cambodia via KHQR and Nepal via NepalPay QR, providing ease of payment at more than 1 million and 875,000 local businesses respectively.
- United Kingdom: Those exploring the arts culture in London can now do so more easily, with Alipay+ recently accepted at Van Gogh House, within a historic building in London. Travellers can enjoy promotions at some of the most iconic retail destinations in London, including Harrods, Selfridges, Liberty’s of London, Harvey Nichols, and at Bicester Village.
- Germany: Alipay+ will introduce the “German Shopping Festival”, bringing together a wide range of German merchants, offering exclusive discounts, Christmas-themed travel guides, and unique shopping experiences.
- France: Travellers visiting France will enjoy a promotional instant cashback on purchases at some of the top retail destinations in Paris such as Galeries Lafayettes, La Vallée Village and Printemps Haussman.
- Italy: Alipay+ is now accepted at the biggest Duty Free in Italy, Aelia Duty Free (Lagardere Group) at Rome airport. Additionally, Tinaba e-wallet users will benefit from a cashback promotion running until end of January at Alipay+ enabled merchants across the country.
- Istanbul: Alipay+ is now accepted at Unifree Duty Free at Istanbul Airport, the second busiest airport in Europe.
- Abu Dhabi, Dubai: Travellers will benefit from a direct discount at key retailers such as Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, and at key duty-free stores and airports, including Dubai Duty Free and Abu Dhabi Duty Free.