Mobile wallets are redefining how travelers explore, spend, and connect worldwide
As global travel bounces back stronger than ever, Alipay+—the cross-border payments and digital ecosystem by Ant International—is revolutionizing the way travelers pay and experience the world. With its expanded acceptance in over 100 countries and regions, Alipay+ is now connecting merchants to 1.8 billion users across 40 international payment partners.
In the first half of 2025 alone, more than 6.5 million travelers used Alipay+ cross-border payments for the first time, opening up new opportunities for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across the globe.
Empowering the travel ecosystem with AI and innovation
Alipay+ isn’t just about making payments—it’s about enhancing travel through smarter digital services. The platform recently rolled out new tools designed to make travel seamless, efficient, and more rewarding for both merchants and consumers:
- Alipay+ Voyager – a built-in AI travel assistant that integrates with Trip.com, Agoda, and Grab for smarter trip planning.
- Alipay+ GenAI Cockpit – an AI-as-a-Service solution that helps partner wallets create AI-powered customer experiences.
- Expanded in-app tax refunds with Global Blue, providing a fully digital and convenient experience for travelers.
“Travel has a significant impact on local economies, and mobile wallets can be a catalyst for growth,” said Douglas Feagin, President of Ant International. “Through AI-powered payments and digital services, Alipay+ helps businesses and travelers connect in more meaningful ways of creating a future of travel built on convenience, inclusivity, and collaboration.”
Mobile payments driving inclusive global growth
As more travelers rely on their home-based e-wallets abroad, Alipay+ reports a 30% increase in transactions across online travel agents and in-store merchants. The expansion of standardized national QR code systems has nearly doubled transactions in emerging destinations, allowing small businesses from Malaysia to Cambodia to benefit from tourism growth.
By connecting more travelers to local merchants, Alipay+ is helping communities gain from tourism’s resurgence while making spending abroad as easy as paying at home.
Short-haul and value-driven travel on the rise
The post-pandemic traveler is looking for value, convenience, and local flavor. Data from Alipay+ shows that intra-Asia travel is driving much of 2025’s global tourism surge, with transactions across Southeast Asia increasing by 32% year-on-year.
Travellers are also embracing smaller purchases and local experiences, with transactions under USD 10 rising by 37% and A+ Rewards coupon redemptions jumping 57%.
Interestingly, while classic European destinations like France and Italy remain popular, travelers are venturing to lesser-known spots such as Hungary, Greece, and Norway proving that adventure and value can go hand in hand.
Travel experiences go beyond shopping and dining
Today’s tourists are spending on more than just souvenirs. Alipay+ reports a surge in beauty, wellness, education, and healthcare-related transactions, including a 115% jump in K-beauty purchases in South Korea.
With ride-hailing and public transport transactions nearly doubling, Alipay+ is also empowering travelers to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations from Semporna in Malaysia to Ayutthaya in Thailand with ease and confidence.
A seamless future for travelers and merchants
As mobile wallets continue to evolve, Alipay+ envisions a world where travel, technology, and inclusivity meet. By bridging merchants, fintech partners, and travelers through its unified platform, Alipay+ helps build a smarter and more connected global travel ecosystem one QR scan at a time.