Forget fumbling with unfamiliar currency or calculating exchange rates. The new essential travel item isn’t a neck pillow or a power adapter—it’s the digital wallet already on your phone. A quiet revolution is underway in global tourism, powered by the seamless tap-and-pay technology that connects travelers to the world using the payment methods they know and trust from home.
At the forefront of this shift is Alipay+, Ant International’s global wallet gateway, which has become a catalyst for a new era of travel defined by convenience, value-consciousness, and deeper local exploration.
The data speaks volumes. In the first half of 2025 alone, over 6.5 million people used a cross-border digital payment service like Alipay+ for the very first time. This mass adoption signals a fundamental change in traveler behavior. People no longer want to be “tourists”; they want to immerse themselves and transact as locals do.
“The impact is twofold,” says Douglas Feagin, President of Ant International. “Not only can travellers travel and pay more conveniently, but businesses, especially small local shops, can now easily reach a global customer base.”
This inclusive growth is being supercharged by partnerships with national payment networks. By leveraging standardized QR codes—a common sight in market stalls from Seoul to Singapore—Alipay+ has seen transactions at small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in destinations like South Korea, Malaysia, and Cambodia almost double. This direct connection is funneling tourism revenue directly into local economies, ensuring that growth benefits a wider community.
Today’s traveler is savvy. They are strategically seeking greater value, often by exploring destinations closer to home. Asia is leading this charge, with intra-Asia travel booming. China, Japan, South Korea, and Southeast Asia remain top draws, with cross-border transactions within the region up 32 percent.
This value-seeking isn’t about cutting back; it’s about spending smarter. Travelers are using in-app marketing platforms like A+ Rewards to find local deals and coupons, with redemptions skyrocketing 57 percent. They are also consciously supporting smaller local businesses, with transactions under $10 increasing by 37 percent.
This trend is also visible in Europe, where travelers are venturing beyond traditional hotspots. While France and Italy remain popular, destinations like Hungary, Greece, and Norway saw the biggest growth as explorers seek new experiences without blowing their budgets.
The modern travel itinerary has expanded far beyond retail and landmarks. Travelers are increasingly spending on niche services and personal experiences that define a destination.
While spending on attractions and food & beverage continues to grow, there’s a surge in “conscientious consumption.” Transactions for local services—whether it’s a K-beauty treatment in South Korea (up a staggering 115 percent), a wellness session, or even an educational workshop—have become a key part of the journey.
Furthermore, travelers are embracing independence. Transactions on ride-hailing platforms have doubled, and public transport use is up nearly 50 percent. This mobility, supported by the widespread acceptance of digital payments, is encouraging exploration of lesser-known towns, from Japan’s Shikokuchūō to Malaysia’s Semporna.
To support this new travel landscape, Alipay+ is evolving from a simple payment tool into a comprehensive digital travel companion. Its expanded ecosystem now includes:
- Alipay+ Voyager: A built-in AI travel agent that integrates services from partners like Trip.com, Agoda, and Grab.
- Alipay+ GenAI Cockpit: An AI-as-a-Service solution helping other digital wallets build their own smart features.
- Expanded Tax Refunds: Streamlining the tax-free shopping process digitally for more partners.
With its network now spanning over 100 countries and regions, connecting merchants to 1.8 billion users through 40 payment partners like Japan’s PayPay and Europe’s Bluecode, Alipay+ is not just facilitating transactions. It is building the infrastructure for a more connected, inclusive, and intelligent future of travel—one where your phone is your passport to a truly local experience.
Alipay+, offered by Ant International, is a unified wallet gateway that provides cross-border payment and digitalization services. It helps global merchants connect with consumers, who can then use their preferred payment app for seamless transactions and digital services while abroad.#
