Alipay, one of the world’s leading digital payment platforms, and Yelp Inc., the company that connects consumers with great local businesses, have partnered to bring Yelp’s local content to millions of Chinese travelers directly within Alipay’s mobile lifestyle app.
With today’s beta launch, any of Alipay’s more than 520 million users visiting New York City, Los Angeles, Las Vegas and San Francisco can now easily discover, plan, make reservations and share authentic experiences at any local business using Yelp’s rich content. Additional cities and countries will be added in 2017.
“Our partnership with Yelp expedites our goal towards a digital lifestyle and represents a substantial opportunity for U.S. businesses to connect with the growing audience of Chinese travelers that would otherwise be difficult to reach,” said Mr. Souheil Badran, President, Alipay, North America. “Alipay is already the trusted lifestyle app for Chinese consumers at home, and our growing suite of location-based content and services will continue to elevate their experiences when they travel abroad.”
Through the Alipay app’s Discover tab, Chinese travelers in the U.S. can seamlessly access Yelp content to find local restaurants, bars and shops, get directions, read review snippets in English, make reservations as well as pay in Chinese yuan at retailers that accept Alipay.
These mobile payment-savvy Chinese consumers are visiting the U.S. in droves and this year the number of Chinese travelers in North America is expected to grow to four million. They bring with them not only enthusiasm for shopping for items they otherwise wouldn’t be able to find in China, but different payment expectations birthed through technology and built to meet cultural norms that are vastly different than those in the U.S.
“Yelp content is more important than ever in delivering a locally-aware mobile experience for travelers and locals alike,” said Chad Richard, SVP Corporate and Business Development at Yelp. “By collaborating with Alipay, we can help Chinese consumers find the perfect place to eat, shop, drink, relax and play when they’re visiting the United States.”