Ant International’s Alipay+ is doubling down on its mission to make cross-border mobile payments seamless for global travelers. The company announced a major expansion of its payments and digital services ecosystem, now supporting over 100 markets and a partner network of 40 wallets and banking apps, reaching 1.8 billion users worldwide.

The move aims to empower tourism, enable merchants to capture more mobile-first customers, and provide travelers with a fully digital, AI-enhanced experience. New partners include Bluecode in Europe, PayPay in Japan, and KBank in Thailand, allowing users to pay with their preferred apps abroad.

AI and Digital Services: Beyond Payments

Alipay+ isn’t just adding more markets—it’s adding smarter tools. The platform now features:

• Alipay+ Voyager: A built-in AI travel agent integrating Trip.com, Agoda, and Grab for personalized travel support.
• Alipay+ GenAI Cockpit: An AI-as-a-Service solution enabling digital wallets to build AI-native features.
• Expanded Global Blue tax refunds: Streamlining in-app VAT refunds for travelers across more partners.

Douglas Feagin, President of Ant International, emphasized the broader goal: “Alipay+ aims to support the travel ecosystem with AI-powered payments and digital services… Through greater collaboration, we can create a new future of travel, enhancing experiences for consumers and promoting growth and connectivity.”

Mobile Payments Driving Inclusive Growth

Mobile payments are becoming the default for travelers. In the first half of 2025, 6.5 million digital wallet users made cross-border payments via Alipay+ for the first time, with transactions at online travel agents and in-store merchants up 30%. Standardized national QR collaborations nearly doubled, giving travelers easy access to SMEs and merchants in smaller cities across South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Cambodia, and Sri Lanka.

Short-Haul, Value-Focused Travel on the Rise

Asia is leading global travel growth in 2025, with intra-Asia travel seeing a 32% year-on-year increase in transactions. Travelers are increasingly budget-conscious, seeking deals via A+ Rewards, which saw 57% growth in redemptions. Micro-transactions under $10 rose 37%, indicating a strong shift toward local spending and value-conscious travel.

Europe still draws visitors to hotspots like France, Italy, Germany, and the UK, but emerging destinations such as Hungary, Greece, and Norway showed the fastest transaction growth as travelers explore new locales while managing costs.

Niche Experiences and Local Services on the Rise

Travelers are diversifying spending beyond retail. Transactions for K-beauty in South Korea jumped 115%, ride-hailing doubled, and public transport use rose nearly 50%. Expanding Alipay+ acceptance across transportation and local services has made it easier for travelers to explore smaller towns like Shikokuchūō (Japan), Jeollabuk-do (South Korea), Semporna (Malaysia), and Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya (Thailand).

With its expanded partner ecosystem, AI tools, and focus on accessible, cross-border payments, Alipay+ is shaping a new era of mobile-first, AI-powered travel experiences that benefit both travelers and local merchants alike.