The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and Alipay have agreed on a partnership that will allow Chinese tourists, who are heavy users of the online payment platform, to access more products and services while travelling to Thailand.
Currently the world’s largest mobile and online payment service, with more than one billion members worldwide, Alipay will help local Thai merchants such as hotels, spas and restaurants to better support Chinese travellers, who spent on average THB 55,579 (US$1,746.10) per person per trip in 2018 -- up 5.1% year-on-year and generating THB 586 billion in revenue.
Yuthasak Supasorn, governor of TAT, said, “Thailand was the most popular destination for Chinese travellers in 2018 according to the report by the China Tourism Academy and Ctrip. Last year, Thailand welcomed over 10.5 million visitors from China (out of 38 million total arrivals), making it the number one source market for the country. The TAT is constantly looking for ways to strengthen tourism products and services that cater to Chinese visitors”.
He added that the agreement “signifies the commitment between both parties to forge a long-lasting strategic partnership. This cooperation in the field of tourism will facilitate Chinese tourists to access more options and enjoy better services while raising awareness among the Chinese about the ease of travelling to and around Thailand”.