Alipay+, Ant International’s cross-border mobile payment and digitalisation technology solution, has announced new payment partners, expanded global merchant coverage, and exclusive rewards for its partners’ users, just in time for the year-end peak travel season.
With 35 international payment partners, Alipay+ now serves a growing number of global travellers, connecting them to over 90 million merchants across 66 markets. Beyond seamless cross-border mobile payments, the platform offers an in-app destination marketing feature with digital lifestyle services, allowing merchants to directly reach and engage customers.
Its destination marketing platform, A+ Rewards, is available on more than 10 leading super apps, including Touch ‘n Go eWallet (Malaysia), TrueMoney (Thailand), GCash (Philippines), and Kakao Pay (South Korea).
Travel has rebounded strongly in 2024, with the World Travel and Tourism Council predicting the industry will break records, with a 33% increase in international spending.
“Travel plays a vital role in boosting local and regional economies, supporting communities, small businesses, and livelihoods. These trends are expected to accelerate in 2025,” said Douglas Feagin, President of Ant International.
“Through innovation and partnerships with merchants and tourism organisations, we aim to help businesses capitalise on the growth in tourism while enhancing personalised travel experiences for travellers.”
Alipay+ Empowers Travellers to ‘Travel Like a Local’
Shifting travel habits have led to a surge in demand for localised experiences. Alipay+ reports an 80% increase in food and beverage merchants, a 50% increase in attractions, and a 120% rise in transportation services such as ride-hailing, taxis, and trains.
The expanded merchant network supports travellers seeking authentic local experiences while providing seamless payments in key travel scenarios.
To enhance the travel experience, Alipay+ is also introducing exclusive promotions in top destinations worldwide:
- Japan: Alipay+ now connects with over 3 million merchants, including local SMEs such as izakayas, wagashi shops, and anime merchandise stores. Travellers can enjoy rewards at attractions like Tokyo SKYTREE and premium shopping destinations.
- South Korea: Coverage now includes iconic locations like Myeong-dong Night Market and Jeju bus rides, with promotions at Everland Theme Park, GS25, and more.
- Singapore: Expanded acceptance at Mandai Wildlife Reserve, Lau Pa Sat, and top F&B outlets such as BreadTalk.
- Malaysia: Travellers can use Alipay+ for KLIA Express and shop at Pavilion KL, alongside DuitNow QR integration with nearly 2 million merchants.
- Thailand: Exclusive offers at Central, Siam, King Power, and everyday retailers like 7-Eleven.
- Philippines: Coverage spans over 140,000 merchants, including Mall of Asia.
- Cambodia and Nepal: National QR partnerships with KHQR and NepalPay QR benefit over 1.8 million businesses combined.
- United Kingdom: Accepted at iconic locations such as Harrods and Van Gogh House.
- Germany: The “German Shopping Festival” offers Christmas discounts and themed travel guides.
- France: Instant cashback at Parisian retail hubs like Galeries Lafayette.
- Italy: Accepted at Aelia Duty-Free in Rome and various cashback promotions.
- Istanbul: Available at Unifree Duty-Free at Istanbul Airport.
- Abu Dhabi and Dubai: Discounts at major malls and duty-free stores.
This extensive expansion highlights Alipay+’s commitment to creating scalable, compliant, and cost-effective payment ecosystems for global travellers.
