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    Trip.com Group at World Economic Forum 2024:  Asia’s biggest untapped opportunities in tourism

    Leading global travel service provider Trip.com Group is embracing new trends and opportunities in the post-pandemic travel landscape, with its CEO Jane Sun sharing insights at the prominent World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting held in Davos, Switzerland, this week. Ms Sun also expressed optimism about Asia’s continued growth and shared her perspective on its investment potential at the panel discussion titled “Asia – the world’s next growth anchor?”
    As major leaders from government, business, and civil society gathered to discuss the fundamental principles of driving trust in a world of fractures and uncertainties, the panel convened influential stakeholders to delve into the exciting opportunities and new challenges emerging in Asia. Speaking alongside Ms Sun were Mr Roy Gori, President and CEO of Canada’s largest insurance company Manulife, and Mr Geoff Lee, Executive Director, Head of Private Markets and Head of Technology at Malaysia’s sovereign wealth fund Khazanah Nasional. Mr Ben Hung, CEO, Asia, at Standard Chartered Bank, moderated the panel.
    With global tourism approaching a full recovery, Trip.com Group has witnessed strong booking interest in Asia, with Thailand, Japan, and South Korea among the top travel destinations. The rise in consumer income has also led to growing trends in the region such as high-quality wellness experiences and event tourism, particularly for sought-after events like concerts and music festivals.
    Sustainable tourism is another shift that is picking up steam, with environmental awareness motivating more than 16 million Trip.com Group customers to choose low-carbon travel options, such as hotels that adhere to sustainable standards. The Group has also prioritised options such as the rental of electronic vehicles and offering flights with lower carbon emissions.
    Zooming in on the post-pandemic economic trajectory in one of Asia’s largest regions, Ms Sun asserted that China offers more investment opportunities than what some may have perceived.ADVERTISEMENT“Investors should not overlook the thriving travel, wellness or entertainment sector in China. With its vast size, diverse industries, and varying levels of consumer buying power, the investment opportunities are abundant,” said Ms Sun. In particular, the travel sector presents numerous untapped growth opportunities, such as the rapid increase in inbound and outbound travel, as well as favourable policy developments.
    Ms Sun expressed optimism about the growth of the tourism industry, especially with recent positive developments, such as increased flight capacities and expanded visa-free arrangements, that have facilitated international travel to and from China. These include the recent unilateral visa-free policies for several countries, including France, Germany, Spain, Italy, and the Netherlands, mutual visa-free agreements with Malaysia, and plans for similar arrangements with Singapore and Thailand. China also announced earlier in the week that it will unilaterally grant visa-free entry to Swiss and Irish nationals. Since July 2023, China has removed visa requirements for citizens of 11 nations.
    According to Trip.com Group data, significant increases have been recorded in inbound search and booking volumes from countries such as Germany, Spain, and the Netherlands. Those with visa-free arrangements or plans for relaxed visa policies, such as Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia, are among the top destinations favoured by Chinese tourists for the upcoming Chinese New Year.
    Moreover, since its launch in September 2023, Trip.com’s “China Travel Guide”, which provides information about hotel, transport, payment, and other travel-related issues, has served nearly 100,000 international travellers planning to visit China. Meanwhile, as of mid-January, outbound travel orders for the upcoming Chinese New Year holidays have surged more than 10 times compared to the previous year.
    For the wider Asian economy, Ms Sun maintained that its prospects remain robust, citing projections that it will contribute to around 50% of global GDP growth. The rapid development of the tourism industry in Asia, coupled with the strong purchasing power of Asian customers, has indicated the potential for sustained growth in the region.
    “We are committed to forging an influential network for our global partners, empowering them to welcome customers from every corner of the world,” said Ms Sun. “Equally, we stand poised to usher Asian customers into the global arena, opening doors to boundless opportunities and creating pathways for unprecedented international success.”

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    Steady Progress Being Made on Tourism Ministry’s Multi-Dimensional Impact Assessment Study

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    Steady Progress Being Made on Tourism Ministry’s Multi-Dimensional Impact Assessment Study

    Following a productive courtesy call between the Ministry of Tourism and World Bank representatives on Tuesday (January 16), Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett has reported steady strides regarding the Ministry’s Multi-Dimensional Impact Assessment Study, which will evaluate the economic impact as well as other implications of adding 20,000 new hotel rooms over the next 10 years. The meeting, led by World Bank Country Director for the Caribbean, Lilia Burunciuc, saw the team providing insights into their ongoing study titled “Future of Tourism in the Caribbean.” This study aims to empower regional markets to enhance competitiveness, improve connectivity, and overcome barriers to tourism growth. 
    Expressing optimism about the Ministry’s progress on its research targets, Minister Bartlett said, “We are well advanced with getting the consultants on board; we’ve sent out requests for proposals, we’ve had responses, and the team will shortly be evaluating the responses to determine who the consultants will be to begin this project.” The procurement process for the study closes on January 25.
    The World Bank team expressed keen interest in contributing to environmental and sustainability analyses for the study. They commended Jamaica for its robust data collection efforts, significantly aiding their research.
    Minister Bartlett noted, “This critical assessment is being undertaken to make sure that this expansion is inclusive and that more and more of the benefits and revenue of the industry stay in our country.”
    He further explained the expected impact, adding, “We expect over 3 million stopover visitors, which will result in a one-to-one visitor-to-citizen ratio. This means that the flow-through effect of tourism as an economic activity will now be felt by the average Jamaican.” ADVERTISEMENTThe tourism minister stressed the importance of supplying the demand that tourism brings, which includes building the capacity to produce more agricultural goods, more manufacturing goods, provide more services, and create more unique experiences for visitors. He underscored that the study aims to enable stakeholders to understand the resources required to make these changes happen.
    Minister Bartlett concluded, “When we bring 20,000 new rooms to Jamaica, what will it mean? That is the basis of the Multi-Dimensional Impact Assessment.”
    The World Bank’s “Future of Tourism in the Caribbean” study, initiated in response to COVID-19, recognizes tourism as the main driver of the economic future of the Caribbean. Jamaica’s Multi-Dimensional Impact Assessment Study aligns with this vision, assessing the sector’s carrying capacity, required skillsets, labour market arrangements, and the overall impact on the country’s economy. 

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    Corsica Walking Tours on Sale Now: Experience the Best of Corsica’s Spectacular Beauty

    Corsican Places invites adventure enthusiasts to embark on a journey through Corsica’s stunning landscapes with its 2024 walking holidays now on sale. Offering a choice of eight self-guided itineraries, ranging from moderate leisurely strolls to one of Europe’s most challenging treks, customers can immerse themselves in some of Corsica’s most breathtaking scenery and bucket-list adventures.
    With over 36 years of expertise in Corsica, Corsican Places collaborates directly with local walking providers, ensuring variety and some of the best walking on the island. Marked trails guarantee diverse experiences, and the operator’s specialist sales team are available to provide personalised advice while its local provider offers 24/7 on-the-ground support, enhancing the overall experience.
    Tours include:
    Corsica Island Mystery Tour: A seven-night holiday which combines four days of self-guided walking at a moderate level along the footpaths and trails of Corsica’s north-west corner. Providing the perfect contrast between coastal scenery and rugged mountains, pine forests, mountain rivers and waterfalls with natural rock pools, the tour includes character accommodation and traditional food along the way, with an optional fifth day of walking for those keen to explore more. Following arrival into Calvi airport, customers are transferred to the nearby train station to take the short journey to Corte, once the capital of Corsica and where the walking begins. Taking in Calacuccia, Col de Vergio, Evisa, Porto and Piana, before ending back at Calvi, luggage transfers are included between hotels enroute. Weekend departures are available between May and September, with packages from £1745 pp (two sharing). Prices include flights, all accommodation, transfers, map, and route notes as follows:
    • Return flights from Stansted to Calvi• Return airport transfers and transfers on the walking days• Hotel Accommodation: 3-nights half board and 4 nights bed & breakfast• Luggage transfers between hotels• Map and route notesADVERTISEMENTThe GR20
    For keen and experienced hikers, the legendary GR20 trek is a must. Corsican Places offers 14-night packages tackling 13 of the full 16 GR20 sections, as well as seven-night tours and six-day treks through challenging sections of GR20 North or GR20 South.
    Sample tour: GR20 North: A seven-night bucket-list adventure for seasoned hikers, featuring six days of strenuous self-guided walking along one of Europe’s most challenging treks. Prices start from £1770pp, including flights, accommodation (options include camping, refuges, and shepherds’ cabins), meals, and luggage transfers.

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    Winter Travel Tips: How to Prepare for Snowy Airport Journeys

    Snowy weather can cause disruption to travel. We go to great lengths to minimise the effects of snow and ice on the airport – you can read more about that here – but the effects of wintry weather can still make aspects of your journey trickier.
    Here we share some handy hints to help you prepare if you’re coming to the airport during adverse weather.
    Keep an eye out for communications from your airline and from the airport
    Your airline will inform you of any significant issues with your flight. Make sure you can access your emails and follow your airline on social media. Some airlines have apps that will send alerts direct to your phone if there are updates.
    In the event that your airfield has to close they will post details on social media, particularly X (formerly Twitter), when it closes and when it reopens and will provide regular updates in the interim.ADVERTISEMENTPlan your journey in advance, prepare, allow extra time and monitor travel conditions to the airport
    Snow and ice can cause disruption on road and rail. Make sure you’re keeping an eye on travel news and can plan your journey accordingly.
    Most popular map apps like Google Maps and Apple Maps can give live traffic conditions while popular rail apps like those of specific operators and Trainline will update you if your planned journey is affected by bad weather.
    Travel is likely to be slower in wintry weather. You may have to de-ice your car, traffic may be slower, trains could be delayed and even walking short distances can take longer. So factor that into your journey.
    If you’re driving to the airport, make sure you have supplies with you in the event of lengthy delays on the road, a breakdown or if you get stuck. These should include a drink, food, a blanket, warm clothes, a torch (wind up torches won’t run out of batteries), screen wash, a phone charger, de-icer, a demisting pad, a warning triangle, a first aid kit and a shovel.
    Be careful
    It goes without saying that ice and snow make surfaces slippery – so whether you’re driving or on foot take extra care. We grit all the walkways and car parks at the airport regularly and monitor them during the day.
    Make sure you’re dressed for the weather
    If you’re travelling to somewhere warm it may seem inconvenient to have your coat, hat and gloves with you – but don’t be tempted to try to travel without wrapping up for the conditions here. You may end up stuck in traffic on the way to the airport or face a wait on a train platform and you’ll be glad of your coat. Make sure you’ve got good shoes on too. If you’re parking around the terminals you’ll have to walk from there to your terminal and you don’t want to be doing that in flip flops in the snow!
    The same applies if you’re coming back to the airport when it’s snowy. It’s easy to get dressed for the weather in the country you’re leaving and find yourself arriving into snowy weather wearing summer clothes.

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    San Francisco International Airport to Rename International Terminal in Honor of Dianne Feinstein

    The San Francisco Airport Commission has approved a resolution to rename the International Terminal at SFO for the late Senator and former San Francisco Mayor Dianne Feinstein. The announcement responds to a proposed nomination submitted in November 2023 to the Airport Commission by The Dianne Feinstein 100-plus Committee, whose members include former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown and retired SFO Airport Director John L. Martin.
    The Airport Commission carefully reviewed the proposed nomination and found that the following were “compelling reasons to honor the nominee recommended for consideration:”
    In 1980 and 1981, as Mayor of San Francisco, Feinstein led the negotiation of a 30-year Lease and Use Agreement with the airlines that transformed the Airport’s business operation and provided for the construction of SFO’s first International Terminal that opened in 1983. The Agreement incentivized the Airport to establish itself as a leader among U.S. airports in concession revenue performance, providing the Airport with major capital financing capacity and a formula whereby the airlines and City share in the Airport’s business success. The Agreement provided for a new business structure which is still in place today that provides for 15% of SFO concession revenue to be shared with the City as repayment for its investment. The City has realized over $1 billion as a return from this 15% share since 1981. SFO remains one of only a handful of airports across the country with this structure.From the Master Plan expansion of the new International Terminal to the BART-SFO extension and new Air Traffic Control Tower, Senator Feinstein played a leadership role in making the Airport the world-class facility it is today. Senator Feinstein led the charge to extend BART to SFO and, in a historic meeting, negotiated the agreement between the Airport, BART, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the airlines to bring the mass transit system directly into the International Terminal.Senator Feinstein was a tireless advocate for SFO behind the scenes, including supporting SFO’s first in-line baggage screening system following 9/11, helping SFO access new FAA technology to improve safety and reduce delays, and providing federal agency resources in the aftermath of the Asiana crash.
    What happens next
    With the adoption of the resolution to rename the International Terminal for Dianne Feinstein, SFO will begin work with the Dianne Feinstein 100-plus Committee to develop an approach for implementation. This will include collaboration on locations, design, and content to celebrate the legacy of Senator Feinstein relative to both SFO and the City of San Francisco. There is no defined timeline for this activity, but the goal is to ensure the finished result captures the intent which led to the naming campaign.ADVERTISEMENT

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    Sustainable Journeys – New UK Tour Operator Launches

    This week sees the launch of Sustainable Journeys, a new UK tour operator dedicated to helping people take steps to travel more sustainably by providing itineraries and unforgettable travel experiences which enable individual travellers to explore, whilst taking into consideration environmental conservation, social inclusivity, and economic benefits to local communities.
    Sustainable Journeys uncovers more climate-friendly ways to enjoy the beauty and diversity of destinations. Reducing traveller emissions by using trains, electric vehicles, buses, bikes, and hikes, with stays at sustainably focused accommodations and enjoying activities which support local communities and the preservation of natural and cultural heritage. Whilst Sustainable Journeys encourage slow travel there is often need for travellers to fly, because of time challenges and distances, and these trips are considered too, reviewing aircraft, routing and cabin choices to minimise the impact.
    Sustainable Journeys will be working with Path Net Zero, which specialises in providing carbon measurement solutions, to measure the carbon footprint from the various elements of trips which will be displayed for each itinerary to help make the best and most practical choices. Path Net Zero will also manage a Carbon Fund for Sustainable Journeys, supporting developing world projects that have through their actions reduced carbon emissions; this will be achieved through a donation of 3% of the holiday price through registry Gold Standard, who pay Fair Trade prices to project operators for the work they are doing.
    In addition, Sustainable Journeys is collaborating with NGO Planeterra to add a ‘Ripple Score’ to each itinerary, detailing the percentage of money spent which stays locally in the destination, an important principle of sustainable tourism.
    Estonia, one of the world’s leading sustainable destinations, is the launch partner of Sustainable Journeys. Several of the new itineraries reveal little known areas of the Baltic country, highlighting where and how to explore beyond the popular city break of Tallinn to immerse in the forests, national parks, coastal and island retreats, quaint and historic villages, and cultural centres, including Tartu – European Capital of Culture 2024.ADVERTISEMENTSustainable Journeys are now available in Estonia, Sweden, Latvia, Lithuania, and Finland, with more destinations soon to follow. 
    Melissa Tilling, CEO of Sustainable Journeys commented “We believe tourism should benefit everyone involved, especially local communities and our mission is to bring a pragmatic enabling approach to sustainable travel to support customers who are often confused by labelling, terminology, and what to trust. Whilst no one can take away the act of emitting carbon into the atmosphere Sustainable Journeys hope to make it easier for consumers to travel more responsibly, understanding their choices and ensure that visitors contribute positively, from an environmental, social, and economic perspective.
    We carefully select partners aligned with our sustainable tourism principles, aligned to the United Nations, to provide transport methods, lodging and activities which provide an optimum balance between sustainability and pragmatism in terms of what can be offered, what is sensible and what best protects the wellbeing of our customers. We endeavour to prioritise local community involvement to ensure the economic benefits of tourism are equally distributed.”
    Packages include:  Estonian EV Exploration – This 10-night self-drive tour, from £1,235 per person (based on two adults sharing), starts in historic Tallinn. Heading east to the rich green forest and wetlands of the Lahemaa National Park and quaint fishing villages, turning south to The Onion Trail and cultural centre of Tartu. It continues onwards through the Soomaa National Park, stopping at historic and picturesque coastal towns and the summer capital Parnu. Price includes car hire, bed and breakfast in locally owned hotels and guesthouses, cultural and wine-tasting experiences. Transport to the Baltics by air or rail is additional.  For more information visit, or to book visit www.sustainablejourneys.co.uk

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    Masterplan Revealed For THE RIG. A World-First Adventure Tourism Destination

    THE RIG., one of Public Investment Fund’s (PIF) entertainment projects, announced today the launch of its Masterplan, an ambitious and unprecedented vision for tourism that will redefine adventure tourism.
    The project is in line with PIF’s strategy and the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 objectives of contributing to the growth of the tourism sector, directly and indirectly contributing to employment opportunities, and diversifying the economy.THE RIG. is inspired by the design of offshore oil platforms, to celebrate the legacy and heritage of Saudi Arabia’s long oil and gas history.  The unique hospitality and adventure experience will span a gross floor area of over 300,000 square meters, located 40km from the coastline, near Al Juraid Island and Berri Oil Field in the Arabian Gulf.
    THE RIG. will seek to attract over 900,000 annual visitors by 2032, appealing to a wide range of domestic, regional and international audiences, including adrenaline seekers, explorers, balanced holiday makers, and relaxation seekers.
    The range of hospitality, leisure, entertainment and accommodation options provided by THE RIG. include three hotels totaling 800 rooms, along with 11 restaurants, an extreme sports and adventure park, a world-class marina, and helipads.
    THE RIG. will feature a wide variety of water activities, including a diving center, in addition to an amusement park, splash park, an E-sports center, an immersive theater and multi-purpose arena. THE RIG. will also celebrate the Kingdom’s rich oil and gas heritage by creating an exceptional and unique experience, making it a must-visit destination. ADVERTISEMENTThe project will be developed by the Oil Park Development Company (OPDC) under the direction of its CEO, Raed N. Bakhrji, who brings more than 20 years of experience in the oil and gas industry and a passion for the future of adventure tourism.
    Additional information: www.THERIG.sa.

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    Decades of internationalization pays off as UnionPay recognized across world

    UnionPay, one of the world’s largest payment brands, is embracing a new chapter of development after its global acceptance scope spanned 183 countries and regions and issuance outside the Chinese mainland surpassed 230 million cards recently.Thanks to its 20 years of internationalization efforts, it can contribute more “Chinese solutions” to the global payment industry.
    On Jan 18, 2004, with approval from the People’s Bank of China, UnionPay launched card services in Hong Kong, marking the beginning of the internationalization efforts made by Chinese bank card brands.
    In 2012, UnionPay International, dedicated to international business, was established. Its international strategy evolved from “where Chinese go, UnionPay card services follow” to a more comprehensive “global network, international brand,” aiming to better serve China’s resolve to open wider and to set a high standard in the payment sector.
    With the recent initiation of UnionPay card services in El Salvador, its global acceptance scope now covers 66.4 million online and in-store merchants outside of the Chinese mainland. UnionPay cards have been issued in 81 countries and regions outside the Chinese mainland. Currently, UnionPay International has cooperated with more than 2,600 institutions globally.
    First choice of touristsADVERTISEMENTAs China’s payment industry has rapidly evolved over the past two decades, UnionPay International has actively enhanced its network service capabilities, diversified product offerings, and improved payment scenarios to provide high-quality financial payment services for both Chinese and international residents engaged in trade and cooperation.
    During the New Year holidays, Chinese tourists celebrating globally found UnionPay’s distinctive three-color logo ubiquitously present, whether in the streets of Hong Kong and Macao or at merchants in Bangkok, Tokyo, Abu Dhabi and beyond.
    According to a Nielsen report, UnionPay has become the most widely accepted international card brand globally. Since the first UnionPay transaction landed in Hong Kong, UnionPay cards have been accepted in 183 countries and regions around the world, among which 99 countries and regions support UnionPay mobile payment products. UnionPay acceptance rates in the Asia-Pacific, Europe, North America, and other regions have increased to approximately 80 percent.
    In China’s Hong Kong and Macao, hundreds of thousands of merchants, millions in South Korea, and almost all QR code merchants in Malaysia and Sri Lanka support the UnionPay app.
    Building on the foundation of practicality, UnionPay International has collaborated extensively across industries to create a rich ecosystem for UnionPay payments, giving cardholders more convenience and ease when making payments.
    In 2023 alone, tourism bureaus in Australia, South Africa, Singapore, Thailand, Saudi Arabia, international duty-free group DFS, travel platform Trip.com, and tax refund agency Planet Tax Free, among others, have collaborated with UnionPay International, enhancing its payment capabilities in scenarios such as hotel bookings, transportation, dining, and shopping.
    Currently, UnionPay payment services are supported in more than 5,000 overseas schools, the top 10 hotel groups globally, renowned airlines, cross-border transportation such as the China-Laos Railway and public transportation in popular overseas tourist destinations.
    Close collaboration in cross-border payments between commercial banks and UnionPay International provides personalized options for residents. Various commercial banks have introduced distinctive UnionPay card products, such as cross-border cashback cards, Prestige Asia, cards themed in “Tour South Korea”, and more, catering to different customer segments. Connected to the UnionPay app Network Payment Platform, commercial bank apps can also directly use UnionPay QR codes in overseas acceptance scenarios.
    Global expansion
    Since the resumption of cross-border movement, international events like Canton Fair and the China International Import Expo have been successfully held in China, making it essential to provide quality payment services for overseas visitors in China.
    Currently, outside the Chinese mainland, more than 230 million UnionPay cards have been issued in 81 countries and regions, 180 UnionPay local wallets have been established in 35 countries and regions. These diverse UnionPay payment products cover multiple functions, including card swiping, scanning and cash withdrawals, meeting the needs of both daily life and cross-border payments, positioning UnionPay as one of the preferred payment brands for visitors to China.
    This journey began with the opening of UnionPay card acceptance in China’s Hong Kong, where Bank of China (Hong Kong) issued the first local UnionPay card in the same year. This marked the localization of UnionPay International business and the starting point for exploring payment services for residents around the world.
    Currently, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area has issued 30 million UnionPay cards in total. In the countries and regions involved in the Belt and Road Initiative, the cumulative issuance reaches 170 million cards. In countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Kenya, Mongolia, Singapore and Kazakhstan, UnionPay has become the go-to payment card, favored by local students, workers and teachers, becoming integrated with local life.
    These cards can be used in almost all POS terminals and scenarios in China, including taking public transportation, shopping on the Taobao app, booking tickets on travel agency Trip.com, hailing a ride on the Didi app, and ordering food through the Meituan app.
    Drawing from its experience of promoting QR code payments domestically, UnionPay has continually extended its mobile payment services to residents outside the Chinese mainland.
    In 2018, the Hong Kong-Macao version of the UnionPay app landed in Hong Kong. Subsequently, UnionPay International has innovated cooperation models, supporting overseas wallets to bind UnionPay cards or issue UnionPay virtual cards within their apps. This allows users to utilize familiar local products for payments on the Chinese mainland, without the need for additional account creation or downloading domestic apps. Authentication can be completed through local institutions, eliminating the requirement to provide sensitive personal information to third-party platforms.
    Leading Chinese solution
    While providing high-quality payment services for overseas residents, UnionPay International collaborates with central banks, national payment networks, and payment alliances of various countries to establish technical standards for payment networks, QR codes, and chip cards. In doing so, it contributes more “Chinese solutions” to the global payment industry.
    Adapting to the trends of industrial development, UnionPay International actively seeks new strategies to build global network advantages through the development of both cards and mobile payment.
    In recent years, many countries have accelerated the construction of local payment networks and promoted the interoperability between different networks. Since 2023, UnionPay International has collaborated with local networks in 15 countries and regions overseas to promote the interoperability of QR codes. Sixteen projects have been implemented or are in progress including payment networks from Southeast Asian countries such as PayNet of Malaysia, NAPAS of Vietnam, Bakong of Cambodia and LAPNet of Laos. The acceptance scope of UnionPay QR codes outside the Chinese mainland has subsequently increased to 6.5 million merchants in 45 countries and regions. This establishes UnionPay as a payment product with major advantages in the Asia-Pacific region.

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