Alipay+ expands to 90 million merchants in 2024 summer campaign

Alipay+ has expanded its services to reach 90 million global merchants as part of its 2024 summer campaign, following increased transaction volumes during UEFA EURO 2024. As the Official Payment Partner of UEFA EURO 2024, Alipay+ saw a substantial rise in the number of tourists utilising their preferred home payment apps across Europe during the football championship.

During the UEFA EURO 2024 tournament, which took place from 14 June to 14 July, Alipay+ merchants in Europe experienced a 27% year-on-year increase in transactions from partner e-wallets. Additionally, the number of tourists who paid with their home payment app through Alipay+ rose by over 30% during the event. The surge was led by mobile-savvy travellers from regions such as the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong SAR, Europe, Malaysia, and South Korea.

Douglas Feagin, President of Ant International, commented on the impact of the event on cross-border tourism. "The surge in Alipay+ transactions during UEFA EURO 2024 shows the power of sports and major events to unite people and drive cross-border tourism. European merchants and partners embraced new digital payment trends with remarkable openness and agility. At Ant International, we will continue to expand merchant coverage for consumers and bring more international businesses to the doors of global SMEs."

In Germany specifically, Alipay+ transactions increased by more than 73%, alongside a 40% rise in the number of merchants accepting Alipay+ transactions compared to the previous year. Establishments seeing increased use of these payment methods included retail shops, pharmacies, and tourist attractions.

With Europe expected to be a top summer destination, Alipay+ aims to maintain its momentum from UEFA EURO 2024. This will include ongoing collaborations and joint campaigns with partners to promote the use of home payment apps across Europe. Key destinations such as the UK, France, Italy, Spain, and Germany are expected to feature prominently in these efforts.

In addition to large retailers, Alipay+ is working with local businesses to extend these services. Special deals are being offered at small shops in places like Chinatown in Milan, and more small businesses across Europe are expected to be progressively included. Furthermore, Alipay+ has been integrating with other services to add digital conveniences for tourists. A recent partnership with the taxi app FREENOW, available in seven European countries, and collaborations for digital tax refunds, aim to enhance the tourist experience. Chinese tourists, for instance, can receive instant tax refunds directly on their Alipay app in-store.

Beyond Europe, Alipay+ has extended its footprint in Asia. In Japan, over 2 million merchants accept Alipay+, with tourists enjoying special discounts at 300,000 merchants nationwide. This includes venues such as airport shops, department stores, shopping malls, convenience stores, electronics retailers, and health and beauty stores. Alipay+ is also widely accepted at Universal Studios Japan.

In South Korea, Alipay+ is launching summer promotions with major retailers and attractions, including Hyundai-operated duty-free stores, Lotte World, ZeroPay Jeju market, and other significant chains. Moreover, Alipay+ continues to expand its services for transportation, enabling tourists to use their payment apps for bus rides in Jeju and book train tickets through the Alipay app.

Alipay+ and its partners are also making travel within the Chinese mainland more seamless. Recent expansions include the International Consumer-Friendly Zone Program to Chengdu and Chongqing and enhanced payment options across major cities such as Beijing, Guangzhou, and Shanghai. Tourists can pay at over 80 million merchants using linked international credit cards or other Alipay+ partner payment methods.

In Southeast Asia, where Alipay+ has a wide acceptance, tourists using AlipayHK, Touch 'n Go eWallet, GCash, and TrueMoney can benefit from discounted travel packs applicable to all Alipay+ merchants in the region. Partnerships with national QRs in Singapore and Malaysia include many micro and small merchants like hawker stalls, providing tourists with an authentic local experience. Exclusive campaigns with significant retailers in Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore further enhance the offering for tourists.

Particularly in Thailand, Alipay+ is promoting more cities and merchants through its digital travel innovation, the Alipay+ D-hub, and the Amazing Thailand e-card, in collaboration with the Tourism Authority of Thailand.