Alipay+ Expands to Serve 90 Million Global Merchants in 2024 Summer Campaign Following UEFA EURO Craze

Philippines, 25 July 2024 – Alipay+, the cross-border mobile payment and digitalization solutions operated by Ant International, continued its global summer campaign, which was kicked off by UEFA EURO 2024, in preparation for the travel industry's full rebound by the end of 2024 .  

Alipay+ is the Official Payment Partner of the UEFA EURO 2024™, and connects leading e-wallets and bank apps, including European partners like Bluecode and Tinaba, to 400,000 merchants across Europe. During EURO 2024 from 14 June to 14 July:

 

• Alipay+ merchants in Europe saw a year-on-year increase of 27% in terms of transactions made from its partner e-wallets, many of which are mobile payment leaders in Asia. The number of tourists who paid with their preferred home payment app via Alipay+ rose by over 30% during the championship period.
• Mobile-savvy travelers from the Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong SAR, Europe, Malaysia and South Korea lead the European travel craze in terms of the number of transactions and total spending.
• While retail remains the most popular activity, travelers also pay with their home payment apps via Alipay+ at pharmacies and attractions, as Alipay+ increases its coverage in essential travel scenarios.
• Cross-border consumption rose with varied user and merchant campaigns across UEFA EURO host cities like Berlin and Munich. In Germany, Alipay+ transactions increased by more than 73%, with a 40% increase in the number of merchants accepting an Alipay+ transaction, compared to the year before.

 

"The surge in Alipay+ transactions during UEFA EURO 2024 shows the power of sports and major events to unite people and drive cross-border tourism,” said Douglas Feagin, President of Ant International. “European merchants and partners embraced new digital payment trends with remarkable openness and agility. At Ant International, we will continue to expand merchant coverage for consumers and bring more international businesses to the doors of global SMEs.”

 

Alipay+ turns the heat up with global summer campaign

 

This summer, tourists will be able to pay with their preferred payment apps via Alipay+ at more than 90 million global merchants in 66 markets as Alipay+ merchant coverage continues to grow, connecting them to users of more than 30 payment partners.

 

With Europe expected to be one of the top destinations during summer, Alipay+ will continue its momentum from its UEFA EURO 2024 drive, with more joint campaigns with partners to promote usage of their home payment apps in Europe, and offering exclusive promotions at leading merchants, particularly in key destinations like the UK, France, Italy, Spain and Germany.

 

Besides retailers, Alipay+ is also working with local partners to ensure more local businesses can benefit. For example, tourists can enjoy special deals at many small shops in Chinatown in Milan, with more small businesses across Europe to be progressively onboarded. Alipay+ is also adding more digital conveniences for tourists through its recent integration with the taxi app FREENOW, available in 7 European countries, and partnerships for digital tax refunds. The latter allows Chinese tourists to receive instant tax refunds on their Alipay app in-store.

 

In Japan, where more than 2 million merchants accept Alipay+, tourists from the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong SAR, the Philippines, South Korea, Malaysia, and Thailand can enjoy special discounts at 300,000 merchants across the country, including airport shops, department stores, premium shopping malls, convenience store chains, electronics and appliances retailers, and health and beauty shops.

 

In South Korea, Alipay+ is rolling out summer promotions with leading retailers, theme parks, traditional market and transportation providers, including duty-free stores and department stores operated by Hyundai, Shilla, Shinsegae, Lotte World, ZeroPay Jeju market and Olive Young, for users of AlipayHK, GCash, Touch 'n Go eWallet and TrueMoney.

 

Alipay+ expanded its acceptance for transportation in South Korea, making it easier for tourists to travel around. In Jeju, users of Alipay+ partners, including Alipay, AlipayHK, GCash, Touch ’n Go eWallet and TrueMoney, can simply use their own payment apps to pay for bus rides. The convenience extends beyond local transportation. Chinese tourists can book train tickets to travel across the country through a dedicated mini-program operated by Korail within the Alipay app.

 

Through its collaboration with ZeroPay, South Korea’s national QR standard, Alipay+ is accepted by more than 1.9 million merchants.

 

Alipay+ and its partners continue to make travel more seamless in the Chinese mainland, including the recent expansion of the International Consumer-Friendly Zone Program to Chengdu and Chongqing, as well as Beijing, Guangzhou, and Shanghai. Tourists visiting the Chinese mainland can pay across more than 80 million merchants by linking their international credit cards to the Alipay app or via 12 other Alipay+ partner payment methods.

 

In Southeast Asia (SEA), where Alipay+ is widely accepted, users of AlipayHK, Touch ’n Go eWallet, GCash and TrueMoney can purchase discounted travel packs for use at all Alipay+ merchants in the region. Through its partnership with national QRs in Singapore and Malaysia, Alipay+ merchants in the region include many micro and small merchants like hawker stalls in Singapore, that will allow tourists to truly ‘travel like a local’.

 

With SEA being a popular destination for Chinese tourists, Alipay+ is introducing more innovation and campaigns via Alipay, one of its payment partners, including exclusive campaigns with more than 30 of the most popular retailers – including Central Retail, The Mall Group and King Power in Thailand, Pavilion and Sunway Velocity in Malaysia, and Jewel, Resorts Word Sentosa and Mandai in Singapore.

 

Additionally, in Thailand, the top SEA destination for Chinese tourists, Alipay+ is enhancing its Alipay+ D-hub and Amazing Thailand e-card – a joint digital travel innovation with the Tourism Authority of Thailand – within the Alipay app, to promote more cities, more merchants and offer more discounts 

SM FOUNDATION’S OPERATION TULONG EXPRESS BOOTH

SM Supermalls is happy to have you as partners in bringing service to those who are in need. 

You may drop your cash donations at SM Foundation’s Operation Tulong Express booth located in select SM Supermalls. You may also directly deposit through the provided QR Code or BDO Bank Account details of Philippine Red Cross.

For the participating malls, please refer to this website link: https://www.smsupermalls.com/operation-tulong-express/

#OperationTulongExpress #SMCares

FUJIFILM Philippines Opens New Office in Davao City to Capture Mindanao Market

FUJIFILM Philippines Inc. (FFPH), a pioneer in advanced imaging and healthcare services, is proud to announce the opening of its new office in Davao City to cater to the increasing demand for its innovative products and services in Mindanao.

Mr. Masahiro Uehara, president of FFPH, said the new office at the LSA Center, JP Laurel Avenue, Bajada in Davao City is the fourth office in the country. Since FFPH’s establishment in 2012 the company has steadily expanded, opening office and service center in Taguig, Makati, and Cebu City.  

“Establishing a branch in Davao City underscores FUJIFILM Philippines’ commitment to providing exceptional service and cutting-edge technology to more customers in the country, particularly in Mindanao. We are excited to be a part of this dynamic community and look forward to continuing our mission of enhancing the quality of life through our wide array of innovative imaging and healthcare solutions. This new office will also focus on medical network systems to expand medical IT sales and provide technical support to those in need," he said.

Uehara explained that a medical network system connects computers and various medical devices such as CT scanners, laser printers, image storage servers, and diagnosis terminals, through a network. This setup allows doctors and medical professionals to share and access digital images and data, improving the efficiency and effectiveness of hospital operations.

Apart from health initiatives, Uehara said the Davao branch will also serve as a hub for FUJIFILM Philippines’ operations in Mindanao, offering comprehensive support and access to the company's extensive range of products and services, including digital cameras, instant camera system, and industrial products. “The new office is strategically located to serve urban and rural areas in the southern part of the country, ensuring that businesses and consumers have easier access to the company’s advanced solutions," he added.

With the inauguration of its new office, FFPH aims to foster closer relationships with its customers, offering tailored services and support to meet their unique needs. This expansion is part of a strategic plan to bolster its presence in key regions across the Philippines so that customers nationwide can benefit from the latest advancements in imaging and healthcare technology.

The opening ceremony, held today, was attended by representatives from FUJIFILM’s Asia Pacific regional headquarters in Singapore, Mr. Haruto Iwata FUJIFILM Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd. Managing Director and FUJIFILM corporate vice president, Consul General’s Office in Davao, Consul General Yoshihisa Ishikawa, Davao City government officials, industry partners, and the media. The event featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony, product display, and a showcase of the company’s latest innovations. 

Attendees also had the opportunity to explore the new facilities and learn more about the company’s plans for the future in the region.

Founded in 1934 as a photographic film manufacturer in Japan, Fujifilm has continually harnessed its expertise in photography to develop pioneering, proprietary technologies. Today, the company’s diverse business portfolio spans various product segments, such as Healthcare (medical systems, bio-CDMO, and life sciences solutions); Electronics (semiconductor materials, display materials, and other electronic materials); Business Innovation (business solutions, office solutions, and graphic communications), and Imaging (consumer imaging and professional imaging).    

This year, Fujifilm is celebrating its 90th anniversary, marking nearly a century of innovation and excellence. In line with this milestone, the company has introduced a new global purpose: “Giving our world more smiles.” This purpose highlights Fujifilm's unwavering commitment to uniting diverse ideas, unique capabilities, and extraordinary individuals to drive positive change worldwide.

From enhancing medical diagnostics and optimizing manufacturing processes to advancing environmental sustainability, Fujifilm is dedicated to its mission of creating a brighter, healthier future for all. By leveraging its extensive expertise and pioneering spirit, the company continues to make significant strides in various fields, ensuring that its innovations contribute to a better world for future generations.

For more information about FUJIFILM Philippines and its products, visit www.fujifilm.com/ph.