Alipay+, a cross-border mobile payment solution by Ant International, has seen a notable increase in global transactions as international travel resumes.
The number of travelers using their home payment apps via Alipay+ tripled during the first nine months of 2024, reflecting a shift towards familiar payment methods while abroad.
Alipay+ currently connects over 1.6 billion consumers through 30 payment partners, offering access to more than 90 million merchants across 66 markets.
This network has provided more opportunities for merchants, particularly small and medium-sized businesses, to tap into the travel sector’s recovery.
In Malaysia, for instance, transactions through PayNet’s DuitNow QR, integrated with Alipay+, saw an average quarterly growth of 142% during 2024.
Travelers’ spending habits have shifted post-pandemic, with more focus on local experiences such as food and attractions.
Alipay+ data shows spending at food and beverage outlets increased by 80%, while spending at attractions rose by 50%.
Payments for transportation services, including ride-hailing and taxis, saw a 120% rise, reflecting a trend toward independent travel.
The rise in mobile payment use is particularly evident across Asia, with the highest volume of Alipay+ transactions recorded in China, Japan, Thailand, Macao, and South Korea.
Additionally, all-in-one apps that provide more than just payment services are becoming more popular, with Alipay+ partners like Thailand’s TrueMoney reporting a tenfold increase in transactions since partnering with the platform.
As the tourism sector continues to recover, Alipay+ is expanding its offerings, not just through payment solutions but also through digital tools such as A+Rewards, which supports destination marketing and local engagement.
“Tourism’s importance to economic growth makes it essential for the industry to pursue innovation and new partnerships so that more people can benefit. Our Alipay+ solution has evolved to include cross-border payments, destination marketing and digital lifestyle services, and we have seen significant adoption as more consumers embrace technology to enhance their travel experience. We believe in a collaborative open approach and will work closely with partners across the industry towards a new future of travel.”
said Douglas Feagin, President of Ant International.
Featured image credit: Edited from Freepik