Central Retail partners with Alipay+ to boost tourist spending

It allows payment acceptance from 13 international mobile apps at all 3,000 stores in Thailand.

Central Retail Corporation has teamed up with Alipay+  to boost digital engagement and attract more tourists.

The partnership, which began in July 2023, allows Central Retail to accept payments from 13 international mobile apps across all 3,000 stores in Thailand. 

Transaction volumes through Alipay+ partners have doubled in Q2 2024 compared to Q1, with significant spending from tourists from Hong Kong, Malaysia, the Philippines, and South Korea using AlipayHK, Touch ‘n Go eWallet, GCash, and Kakao Pay.

“Our collaboration with Alipay+ enhances the shopping experience for tourists, offering seamless and familiar payment options,” said Piyawan Leelasompop, head of Corporate Marketing at Central Retail. “This helps us meet modern travellers' expectations and improve engagement.”

Central Retail is also joining the Amazing Thailand e-card program, launched with the Tourism Authority of Thailand in June 2024. The initiative will let Central Retail connect with tourists via the Alipay+ app, offering promotions and increasing store visibility. Initially available to Chinese tourists on Alipay, the card will expand to other Alipay+ partners.

With the year-end travel season approaching, Central Retail plans targeted in-app marketing to attract tourists and enhance customer satisfaction. 

Alipay+ users can now also use their home payment apps at Central Retail stores across Thailand. Spending has surged, especially at supermarkets like Tops, with transactions increasing more than fourfold from Q1 to Q2 2024.

Moreover, Central Retail and Alipay+ will launch several promotions, including the Amazing Thailand Card, Summer and Golden Week Campaigns, and the Year-End Campaign, to attract more tourists and drive sales.