Thursday, 04/07/2024 | 17:15 GMT by Jared Kirui
- The partnership aims to improve digital payment services for international travelers visiting Chengdu and Chongqing.
- The digital payment program targets over 60 shopping areas, tourist spots, airports, and railway stations.
Ant Group, in partnership with Mastercard, several international partners of Alipay+, and other card organizations, has expanded its payment support program to Chengdu and Chongqing. This step aims to offer digital payment services for international travelers visiting Western China.
Targeting Payment Services for International Visitors
This initiative reportedly comes amid a notable increase in inbound tourism, driven by the region’s cultural attractions and growing trade links. The program, dubbed the International Consumer Friendly Zones, was initially launched in Beijing, Guangzhou, and Shanghai. It aims to cater to the rising influx of international visitors in Chengdu and Chongqing.
These cities, renowned for their cultural heritage and economic significance, have reportedly experienced an increase in foreign arrivals, reflecting their popularity among global travelers. With support from local government bodies, over 60 key shopping areas, tourist hotspots, international airports, and high-speed railway stations will be equipped with enhanced digital payment signage.
Ant Group, Mastercard, and Partners Extend International Consumer Friendly Zones Program to Facilitate Inbound Travel to China https://t.co/AmAvhTL7ey pic.twitter.com/mHYnd1mTPV
— Latest News from Business Wire (@NewsFromBW) July 3, 2024
According to the press release, Chengdu, which is celebrated for its giant pandas, has recorded a substantial increase in foreign entries. Similarly, Chongqing, known as the Mountain City of China, has also experienced a significant rise in international arrivals, boosted by initiatives like the Chongqing Connectivity Initiative with Singapore.
Boosting Tourism and Trade
In particular, ASEAN visitors have found these cities attractive, further boosting tourism and trade ties. In the first half of 2024, transactions via digital payment methods supported by Ant Group and its partners surged dramatically in Chengdu and Chongqing. AlipayHK, Touch ‘n Go eWallet (Malaysia), and TrueMoney (Thailand) are some of the platforms used by ASEAN travelers.
Besides that, the number of merchants accepting these digital payments has seen a significant year-on-year increase, underscoring the growing acceptance and convenience of digital transactions. As China continues to ease visa restrictions and resume international flights, the China Tourism Academy forecasts a robust recovery in inbound travel, nearing pre-pandemic levels by 2024.
Commenting about this initiative in May, Fu Lu, the Director of Cross-border Business in Greater China at Ant Group, mentioned: “The introduction of the International Consumer Friendly Zones in Shanghai signifies a major advancement in our efforts to enrich the inbound tourism experience and bolster local business, especially considering the city’s critical role in China’s global interactions.”
Ant Group, in partnership with Mastercard, several international partners of Alipay+, and other card organizations, has expanded its payment support program to Chengdu and Chongqing. This step aims to offer digital payment services for international travelers visiting Western China.
Targeting Payment Services for International Visitors
This initiative reportedly comes amid a notable increase in inbound tourism, driven by the region’s cultural attractions and growing trade links. The program, dubbed the International Consumer Friendly Zones, was initially launched in Beijing, Guangzhou, and Shanghai. It aims to cater to the rising influx of international visitors in Chengdu and Chongqing.
These cities, renowned for their cultural heritage and economic significance, have reportedly experienced an increase in foreign arrivals, reflecting their popularity among global travelers. With support from local government bodies, over 60 key shopping areas, tourist hotspots, international airports, and high-speed railway stations will be equipped with enhanced digital payment signage.
Ant Group, Mastercard, and Partners Extend International Consumer Friendly Zones Program to Facilitate Inbound Travel to China https://t.co/AmAvhTL7ey pic.twitter.com/mHYnd1mTPV
— Latest News from Business Wire (@NewsFromBW) July 3, 2024
According to the press release, Chengdu, which is celebrated for its giant pandas, has recorded a substantial increase in foreign entries. Similarly, Chongqing, known as the Mountain City of China, has also experienced a significant rise in international arrivals, boosted by initiatives like the Chongqing Connectivity Initiative with Singapore.
Boosting Tourism and Trade
In particular, ASEAN visitors have found these cities attractive, further boosting tourism and trade ties. In the first half of 2024, transactions via digital payment methods supported by Ant Group and its partners surged dramatically in Chengdu and Chongqing. AlipayHK, Touch ‘n Go eWallet (Malaysia), and TrueMoney (Thailand) are some of the platforms used by ASEAN travelers.
Besides that, the number of merchants accepting these digital payments has seen a significant year-on-year increase, underscoring the growing acceptance and convenience of digital transactions. As China continues to ease visa restrictions and resume international flights, the China Tourism Academy forecasts a robust recovery in inbound travel, nearing pre-pandemic levels by 2024.
Commenting about this initiative in May, Fu Lu, the Director of Cross-border Business in Greater China at Ant Group, mentioned: “The introduction of the International Consumer Friendly Zones in Shanghai signifies a major advancement in our efforts to enrich the inbound tourism experience and bolster local business, especially considering the city’s critical role in China’s global interactions.”
- 1040 Articles
- 11 Followers
Jared is an experienced financial journalist passionate about all things forex and CFDs.
- 1040 Articles
- 11 Followers
Keep Reading
More from the Author
-
Cyprus Targets Crypto and Non-Profit Organizations in Warning Against Terror Financing
Cyprus Targets Crypto and Non-Profit Organizations in Warning Against Terror Financing
Cyprus Targets Crypto and Non-Profit Organizations in Warning Against Terror Financing
Cyprus Targets Crypto and Non-Profit Organizations in Warning Against Terror Financing
Cyprus Targets Crypto and Non-Profit Organizations in Warning Against Terror Financing
Cyprus Targets Crypto and Non-Profit Organizations in Warning Against Terror Financing
Cyprus Targets Crypto and Non-Profit Organizations in Warning Against Terror Financing
Cyprus Targets Crypto and Non-Profit Organizations in Warning Against Terror Financing
Cyprus Targets Crypto and Non-Profit Organizations in Warning Against Terror Financing
Cyprus Targets Crypto and Non-Profit Organizations in Warning Against Terror Financing
-
Australia’s Defunct Broker Prospero Markets Discloses $25M Claims
Australia’s Defunct Broker Prospero Markets Discloses $25M Claims
Australia’s Defunct Broker Prospero Markets Discloses $25M Claims
Australia’s Defunct Broker Prospero Markets Discloses $25M Claims
Australia’s Defunct Broker Prospero Markets Discloses $25M Claims
Australia’s Defunct Broker Prospero Markets Discloses $25M Claims
Australia’s Defunct Broker Prospero Markets Discloses $25M Claims
Australia’s Defunct Broker Prospero Markets Discloses $25M Claims
Australia’s Defunct Broker Prospero Markets Discloses $25M Claims
Australia’s Defunct Broker Prospero Markets Discloses $25M Claims
-
Interactive Brokers and HSBC Launch Global Trading Platform
Interactive Brokers and HSBC Launch Global Trading Platform
Interactive Brokers and HSBC Launch Global Trading Platform
Interactive Brokers and HSBC Launch Global Trading Platform
Interactive Brokers and HSBC Launch Global Trading Platform
Interactive Brokers and HSBC Launch Global Trading Platform
Interactive Brokers and HSBC Launch Global Trading Platform
Interactive Brokers and HSBC Launch Global Trading Platform
Interactive Brokers and HSBC Launch Global Trading Platform
Interactive Brokers and HSBC Launch Global Trading Platform
-
Global Investment Research Budgets Rebound since MiFID II, US Posts 15% Increase
Global Investment Research Budgets Rebound since MiFID II, US Posts 15% Increase
Global Investment Research Budgets Rebound since MiFID II, US Posts 15% Increase
Global Investment Research Budgets Rebound since MiFID II, US Posts 15% Increase
Global Investment Research Budgets Rebound since MiFID II, US Posts 15% Increase
Global Investment Research Budgets Rebound since MiFID II, US Posts 15% Increase
Global Investment Research Budgets Rebound since MiFID II, US Posts 15% Increase
Global Investment Research Budgets Rebound since MiFID II, US Posts 15% Increase
Global Investment Research Budgets Rebound since MiFID II, US Posts 15% Increase
Global Investment Research Budgets Rebound since MiFID II, US Posts 15% Increase
-
London Stock Exchange Group’s Patrick Strobel Moves to LCH as Chief Technology Officer
London Stock Exchange Group’s Patrick Strobel Moves to LCH as Chief Technology Officer
London Stock Exchange Group’s Patrick Strobel Moves to LCH as Chief Technology Officer
London Stock Exchange Group’s Patrick Strobel Moves to LCH as Chief Technology Officer
London Stock Exchange Group’s Patrick Strobel Moves to LCH as Chief Technology Officer
London Stock Exchange Group’s Patrick Strobel Moves to LCH as Chief Technology Officer
London Stock Exchange Group’s Patrick Strobel Moves to LCH as Chief Technology Officer
London Stock Exchange Group’s Patrick Strobel Moves to LCH as Chief Technology Officer
London Stock Exchange Group’s Patrick Strobel Moves to LCH as Chief Technology Officer
London Stock Exchange Group’s Patrick Strobel Moves to LCH as Chief Technology Officer
-
FTX’s Former Executives Who Testified Against Sam Bankman-Fried Scheduled for Sentencing
FTX’s Former Executives Who Testified Against Sam Bankman-Fried Scheduled for Sentencing
FTX’s Former Executives Who Testified Against Sam Bankman-Fried Scheduled for Sentencing
FTX’s Former Executives Who Testified Against Sam Bankman-Fried Scheduled for Sentencing
FTX’s Former Executives Who Testified Against Sam Bankman-Fried Scheduled for Sentencing
FTX’s Former Executives Who Testified Against Sam Bankman-Fried Scheduled for Sentencing
FTX’s Former Executives Who Testified Against Sam Bankman-Fried Scheduled for Sentencing
FTX’s Former Executives Who Testified Against Sam Bankman-Fried Scheduled for Sentencing
FTX’s Former Executives Who Testified Against Sam Bankman-Fried Scheduled for Sentencing
FTX’s Former Executives Who Testified Against Sam Bankman-Fried Scheduled for Sentencing
FinTech
-
BIS Survey Reveals Central Banks’ Shift to Digital Currencies and Stablecoins
BIS Survey Reveals Central Banks’ Shift to Digital Currencies and Stablecoins
BIS Survey Reveals Central Banks’ Shift to Digital Currencies and Stablecoins
BIS Survey Reveals Central Banks’ Shift to Digital Currencies and Stablecoins
BIS Survey Reveals Central Banks’ Shift to Digital Currencies and Stablecoins
BIS Survey Reveals Central Banks’ Shift to Digital Currencies and Stablecoins
BIS Survey Reveals Central Banks’ Shift to Digital Currencies and Stablecoins
BIS Survey Reveals Central Banks’ Shift to Digital Currencies and Stablecoins
BIS Survey Reveals Central Banks’ Shift to Digital Currencies and Stablecoins
BIS Survey Reveals Central Banks’ Shift to Digital Currencies and Stablecoins
-
Tackling APP Scams: The UK’s Bold Steps to Protect Consumers from Fraud
Tackling APP Scams: The UK’s Bold Steps to Protect Consumers from Fraud
Tackling APP Scams: The UK’s Bold Steps to Protect Consumers from Fraud
Tackling APP Scams: The UK’s Bold Steps to Protect Consumers from Fraud
Tackling APP Scams: The UK’s Bold Steps to Protect Consumers from Fraud
Tackling APP Scams: The UK’s Bold Steps to Protect Consumers from Fraud
Tackling APP Scams: The UK’s Bold Steps to Protect Consumers from Fraud
Tackling APP Scams: The UK’s Bold Steps to Protect Consumers from Fraud
Tackling APP Scams: The UK’s Bold Steps to Protect Consumers from Fraud
Tackling APP Scams: The UK’s Bold Steps to Protect Consumers from Fraud
-
N26 Launches Stocks, ETFs Trading and Investment Management in Ireland
N26 Launches Stocks, ETFs Trading and Investment Management in Ireland
N26 Launches Stocks, ETFs Trading and Investment Management in Ireland
N26 Launches Stocks, ETFs Trading and Investment Management in Ireland
N26 Launches Stocks, ETFs Trading and Investment Management in Ireland
N26 Launches Stocks, ETFs Trading and Investment Management in Ireland
N26 Launches Stocks, ETFs Trading and Investment Management in Ireland
N26 Launches Stocks, ETFs Trading and Investment Management in Ireland
N26 Launches Stocks, ETFs Trading and Investment Management in Ireland
N26 Launches Stocks, ETFs Trading and Investment Management in Ireland
-
The New Battlefield in Banking: Defending Against Phishing Scams
The New Battlefield in Banking: Defending Against Phishing Scams
The New Battlefield in Banking: Defending Against Phishing Scams
The New Battlefield in Banking: Defending Against Phishing Scams
The New Battlefield in Banking: Defending Against Phishing Scams
The New Battlefield in Banking: Defending Against Phishing Scams
The New Battlefield in Banking: Defending Against Phishing Scams
The New Battlefield in Banking: Defending Against Phishing Scams
The New Battlefield in Banking: Defending Against Phishing Scams
The New Battlefield in Banking: Defending Against Phishing Scams
-
Unveiling ESMA’s Fifth Stress Test Results
Unveiling ESMA’s Fifth Stress Test Results
Unveiling ESMA’s Fifth Stress Test Results
Unveiling ESMA’s Fifth Stress Test Results
Unveiling ESMA’s Fifth Stress Test Results
Unveiling ESMA’s Fifth Stress Test Results
Unveiling ESMA’s Fifth Stress Test Results
Unveiling ESMA’s Fifth Stress Test Results
Unveiling ESMA’s Fifth Stress Test Results
Unveiling ESMA’s Fifth Stress Test Results
-
Visa and HSBC Partner for Multi-Currency Transaction Platform
Visa and HSBC Partner for Multi-Currency Transaction Platform
Visa and HSBC Partner for Multi-Currency Transaction Platform
Visa and HSBC Partner for Multi-Currency Transaction Platform
Visa and HSBC Partner for Multi-Currency Transaction Platform
Visa and HSBC Partner for Multi-Currency Transaction Platform
Visa and HSBC Partner for Multi-Currency Transaction Platform
Visa and HSBC Partner for Multi-Currency Transaction Platform
Visa and HSBC Partner for Multi-Currency Transaction Platform
Visa and HSBC Partner for Multi-Currency Transaction Platform
-
BIS Survey Reveals Central Banks’ Shift to Digital Currencies and Stablecoins
BIS Survey Reveals Central Banks’ Shift to Digital Currencies and Stablecoins
-
Tackling APP Scams: The UK’s Bold Steps to Protect Consumers from Fraud
Tackling APP Scams: The UK’s Bold Steps to Protect Consumers from Fraud
-
N26 Launches Stocks, ETFs Trading and Investment Management in Ireland
N26 Launches Stocks, ETFs Trading and Investment Management in Ireland
-
The New Battlefield in Banking: Defending Against Phishing Scams
The New Battlefield in Banking: Defending Against Phishing Scams
Featured Videos
Discover Why Sydney is the Place to Be This August! 🏖️🌆 This August, Sydney hosts FMPS:24!
Discover Why Sydney is the Place to Be This August! 🏖️🌆 This August, Sydney hosts FMPS:24!
Discover Why Sydney is the Place to Be This August! 🏖️🌆 This August, Sydney hosts FMPS:24!
Discover Why Sydney is the Place to Be This August! 🏖️🌆 This August, Sydney hosts FMPS:24!
-
Get ready for FMPS:24 with these exciting highlights! #FMPS24
Get ready for FMPS:24 with these exciting highlights! #FMPS24
Get ready for FMPS:24 with these exciting highlights! #FMPS24
Get ready for FMPS:24 with these exciting highlights! #FMPS24
Get ready for FMPS:24 with these exciting highlights! #FMPS24
Get ready for FMPS:24 with these exciting highlights! #FMPS24
-
FMPS:24 | Connecting the Future of Finance Across Continents
FMPS:24 | Connecting the Future of Finance Across Continents
FMPS:24 | Connecting the Future of Finance Across Continents
FMPS:24 | Connecting the Future of Finance Across Continents
FMPS:24 | Connecting the Future of Finance Across Continents
FMPS:24 | Connecting the Future of Finance Across Continents
Finance Magnates Pacific Summit 2024 (FMPS:24), is the premier event for the retail investing industry and fintech community in the Asia Pacific region. This dynamic platform connects global expertise, fostering growth and innovation across online trading, fintech, payments, and crypto. Join FMPS:24 to build relationships, explore new possibilities, and gain insights from industry leaders and experts. Register Now: https://bit.ly/4cQSiB1 #fmps24 #fmps #fmevents #traders #investors #affiliates #forexTraders #investmentOpportunities #B2BNetworking #finTech #Innovations #TradingCommunity #BusinessOpportunities 📣 Stay updated with the latest in finance and trading! Follow FMevents across our social media platforms for news, insights, and event updates. Connect with us today: 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/financemagnates-events/ 👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FinanceMagnatesEvents 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fmevents_official 🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/F_M_events 🎥 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fmevents_official ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FinanceMagnates_official Don’t miss out on our latest videos, interviews, and event coverage. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more!
Finance Magnates Pacific Summit 2024 (FMPS:24), is the premier event for the retail investing industry and fintech community in the Asia Pacific region. This dynamic platform connects global expertise, fostering growth and innovation across online trading, fintech, payments, and crypto. Join FMPS:24 to build relationships, explore new possibilities, and gain insights from industry leaders and experts. Register Now: https://bit.ly/4cQSiB1 #fmps24 #fmps #fmevents #traders #investors #affiliates #forexTraders #investmentOpportunities #B2BNetworking #finTech #Innovations #TradingCommunity #BusinessOpportunities 📣 Stay updated with the latest in finance and trading! Follow FMevents across our social media platforms for news, insights, and event updates. Connect with us today: 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/financemagnates-events/ 👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FinanceMagnatesEvents 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fmevents_official 🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/F_M_events 🎥 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fmevents_official ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FinanceMagnates_official Don’t miss out on our latest videos, interviews, and event coverage. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more!
Finance Magnates Pacific Summit 2024 (FMPS:24), is the premier event for the retail investing industry and fintech community in the Asia Pacific region. This dynamic platform connects global expertise, fostering growth and innovation across online trading, fintech, payments, and crypto. Join FMPS:24 to build relationships, explore new possibilities, and gain insights from industry leaders and experts. Register Now: https://bit.ly/4cQSiB1 #fmps24 #fmps #fmevents #traders #investors #affiliates #forexTraders #investmentOpportunities #B2BNetworking #finTech #Innovations #TradingCommunity #BusinessOpportunities 📣 Stay updated with the latest in finance and trading! Follow FMevents across our social media platforms for news, insights, and event updates. Connect with us today: 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/financemagnates-events/ 👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FinanceMagnatesEvents 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fmevents_official 🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/F_M_events 🎥 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fmevents_official ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FinanceMagnates_official Don’t miss out on our latest videos, interviews, and event coverage. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more!
Finance Magnates Pacific Summit 2024 (FMPS:24), is the premier event for the retail investing industry and fintech community in the Asia Pacific region. This dynamic platform connects global expertise, fostering growth and innovation across online trading, fintech, payments, and crypto. Join FMPS:24 to build relationships, explore new possibilities, and gain insights from industry leaders and experts. Register Now: https://bit.ly/4cQSiB1 #fmps24 #fmps #fmevents #traders #investors #affiliates #forexTraders #investmentOpportunities #B2BNetworking #finTech #Innovations #TradingCommunity #BusinessOpportunities 📣 Stay updated with the latest in finance and trading! Follow FMevents across our social media platforms for news, insights, and event updates. Connect with us today: 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/financemagnates-events/ 👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FinanceMagnatesEvents 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fmevents_official 🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/F_M_events 🎥 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fmevents_official ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FinanceMagnates_official Don’t miss out on our latest videos, interviews, and event coverage. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more!
Finance Magnates Pacific Summit 2024 (FMPS:24), is the premier event for the retail investing industry and fintech community in the Asia Pacific region. This dynamic platform connects global expertise, fostering growth and innovation across online trading, fintech, payments, and crypto. Join FMPS:24 to build relationships, explore new possibilities, and gain insights from industry leaders and experts. Register Now: https://bit.ly/4cQSiB1 #fmps24 #fmps #fmevents #traders #investors #affiliates #forexTraders #investmentOpportunities #B2BNetworking #finTech #Innovations #TradingCommunity #BusinessOpportunities 📣 Stay updated with the latest in finance and trading! Follow FMevents across our social media platforms for news, insights, and event updates. Connect with us today: 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/financemagnates-events/ 👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FinanceMagnatesEvents 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fmevents_official 🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/F_M_events 🎥 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fmevents_official ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FinanceMagnates_official Don’t miss out on our latest videos, interviews, and event coverage. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more!
Finance Magnates Pacific Summit 2024 (FMPS:24), is the premier event for the retail investing industry and fintech community in the Asia Pacific region. This dynamic platform connects global expertise, fostering growth and innovation across online trading, fintech, payments, and crypto. Join FMPS:24 to build relationships, explore new possibilities, and gain insights from industry leaders and experts. Register Now: https://bit.ly/4cQSiB1 #fmps24 #fmps #fmevents #traders #investors #affiliates #forexTraders #investmentOpportunities #B2BNetworking #finTech #Innovations #TradingCommunity #BusinessOpportunities 📣 Stay updated with the latest in finance and trading! Follow FMevents across our social media platforms for news, insights, and event updates. Connect with us today: 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/financemagnates-events/ 👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FinanceMagnatesEvents 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fmevents_official 🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/F_M_events 🎥 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fmevents_official ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FinanceMagnates_official Don’t miss out on our latest videos, interviews, and event coverage. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more!
-
IFX EXPO International2024: What is next for liquidity providers?
IFX EXPO International2024: What is next for liquidity providers?
IFX EXPO International2024: What is next for liquidity providers?
IFX EXPO International2024: What is next for liquidity providers?
IFX EXPO International2024: What is next for liquidity providers?
IFX EXPO International2024: What is next for liquidity providers?
-
X Open Hub’s CEO, Michal Copiuk, on AI
X Open Hub’s CEO, Michal Copiuk, on AI
X Open Hub’s CEO, Michal Copiuk, on AI
X Open Hub’s CEO, Michal Copiuk, on AI
X Open Hub’s CEO, Michal Copiuk, on AI
X Open Hub’s CEO, Michal Copiuk, on AI
X Open Hub’s CEO, Michal Copiuk, on the developments of AI
X Open Hub’s CEO, Michal Copiuk, on the developments of AI
X Open Hub’s CEO, Michal Copiuk, on the developments of AI
X Open Hub’s CEO, Michal Copiuk, on the developments of AI
X Open Hub’s CEO, Michal Copiuk, on the developments of AI
X Open Hub’s CEO, Michal Copiuk, on the developments of AI
