Alipay+ is making significant strides in the global payment landscape with its recent expansion to 90 million merchants as part of its 2024 summer campaign. This ambitious push follows a remarkable 27% increase in transactions during the UEFA EURO 2024 tournament, underscoring the platform’s growing popularity, particularly among mobile-savvy tourists.
As the Official Payment Partner of UEFA EURO 2024, Alipay+ experienced a notable rise in usage, primarily from tourists utilizing their preferred home payment apps. The month-long event saw a 30% increase in the number of visitors making purchases with Alipay+, demonstrating the platform’s effectiveness in capturing cross-border tourism trends.
In Germany, for instance, Alipay+ transactions surged by over 73%. This trend wasn’t isolated; various sectors, including retail shops and tourist attractions, have welcomed the integration of the digital payment platform. Douglas Feagin, President of Ant International, highlighted that such events can significantly boost cross-border tourism, emphasizing the agility of European merchants in adopting new digital payment trends.
Alipay+’s strategy extends beyond major retailers, focusing on local businesses like those found in Milan’s Chinatown, aiming to enhance the tourist experience with special deals. Collaborations with services like FREENOW for taxi rides and digital tax refunds through the Alipay app further reinforce this commitment.
The payment platform is also expanding throughout Asia. In Japan, over 2 million merchants accept Alipay+, offering special discounts at approximately 300,000 locations, from airport shops to entertainment venues. South Korea is seeing summer promotions in popular tourist areas, while Southeast Asia offers discounts at local merchants, enriching travelers’ experiences.
As Alipay+ continues to innovate and forge partnerships, it positions itself to capitalize on the growing tourism market, enhancing the convenience and accessibility of payments for millions of consumers worldwide. This expansion not only highlights Alipay+’s influence in the digital payment ecosystem but also sets the stage for future growth in international commerce.
