Ant Group and Mastercard have introduced a new program to boost tourism and local businesses in Shanghai, China. These financial giants, along with 12 of Alipay+’s overseas payment partners and other major international card organizations, launched the International Consumer Friendly Zones program today (Friday) to stimulate economic growth in the region, tnglobal reported.
Digital Payments
This initiative, reportedly supported by local authorities, involves more than 20 shopping areas, tourist attractions, both of Shanghai’s international airports, high-speed railway stations, and a fleet of 25,000 taxis. Notable brands such as the Bund, Nanjing Road, and the Oriental Pearl TV Tower are among the other participants.
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 offers two digital payment options for overseas visitors in China. Travelers can link major international bank cards like Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Discover, and Diners Club International to the Alipay app, allowing access to a wide range of local services without the need for a local bank account or phone number.
Additionally, Alipay+ enables payments through local e-wallets across China. This service supports 12 e-wallets and payment apps in Asia. Ant Group’s digital payment alternatives have reportedly increased spending by international visitors significantly. Between January and April, spending on these options in Shanghai climbed 13 times compared to the previous year.
Expanding Payment Options
Additionally, Ant Group plans to integrate more card organizations and overseas digital wallets into the program. The group will launch new joint user campaigns to further enhance the payment experience for international travelers. Mastercard emphasized the program’s role in providing payment options for tourists, facilitating their spending, and contributing to a more inclusive payment ecosystem.
With enhanced digital payment solutions and a focus on convenience, the International Consumer Friendly Zones program could drive inbound tourism and support local businesses in one of China’s most dynamic cities. The initiative reportedly marks a significant step in making Shanghai more accessible and enjoyable for international visitors.
