The news article reported that Ant Group, in cooperation with Mastercard, Alipay+, and several other international partners, has expanded its payment support program to Chengdu and Chongqing. This move aims to provide digital payment services for international travelers visiting China’s western regions.
The targeted payment services for international tourists come at a time when incoming tourism has significantly increased in the region, driven by cultural attractions and growing trade links. The project, known as the “International Consumer Friendly Zone,” was initially launched in Beijing, Guangzhou, and Shanghai to meet the needs of the growing number of international visitors to Chengdu and Chongqing.
These cities are known for their cultural heritage and economic significance, and the increasing number of foreign tourists reflects their popularity among global visitors. With the support of local government agencies, over 60 key shopping areas, tourist hotspots, international airports, and high-speed railway stations will be equipped with enhanced digital payment signage.
Chengdu is renowned for its giant pandas, and the significant increase in the number of foreign tourists underscores its appeal to international visitors. Similarly, Chongqing, known as the “Mountain City of China,” has also seen a substantial increase in the number of international tourists, driven by initiatives such as Chongqing Connectivity. Connectivity refers to a term used to connect devices to each other. In most cases, this refers to computer networks, more specifically, including bridges, routers, switches, gateways, services, and local networks. Connectivity can refer to simple forms, such as connecting a home or office to the internet, or even connecting a digital camera to a computer or printer. With the development of financial technology and big data collection, connectivity in the financial sector has taken on new meanings.
In particular, ASEAN tourists have found these cities attractive, further promoting tourism and trade relations. In the first half of 2024, transactions supported by digital payment methods from Ant Group and its partners in Chengdu and Chongqing saw a sharp increase. AlipayHK, Touch’nGo e-wallet (Malaysia), and TrueMoney (Thailand) are some of the platforms used by ASEAN travelers.
In addition, the number of merchants accepting these digital payments has increased significantly, highlighting the growing acceptance and convenience of digital transactions. With China continuing to relax visa restrictions and resume international flights, the China Tourism Academy predicts a strong recovery in inbound tourism, approaching pre-pandemic levels by 2024.
In May, Fu Lu, the cross-border business director of Ant Group’s Greater China region, commented on the initiative, stating, “The establishment of an International Consumer Friendly Zone in Shanghai marks a significant step forward for us in enhancing the inbound tourism experience and supporting local businesses, especially considering the city’s crucial role in China’s global interactions.”