More Chinese Tourists Seen Using Mobile Payments In 2017

KUALA LUMPUR, March 5 (Bernama) -- A survey found that 65 per cent of Chinese tourists used mobile payment platforms during overseas travels in 2017, more than six times higher than the 11 per cent of non-Chinese tourists. Jointly conducted by Nielsen Holdings Plc and mobile and online payment giant, Alipay, it was aimed at providing an in-depth analysis on the current consumption and payment behaviour of outbound Chinese tourists travelling overseas, and assessed future trends, especially the usage of mobile payment platforms. “Given the high number of Chinese tourists that Malaysia receives annually, it is important for local merchants and industry players to understand these preferences and embrace the right solutions to cater to this fast-emerging market,” said Alipay General Manager of Cross-border Business for South and Southeast Asia, Cherry Huang. It also found that Asian destinations were the most popular for Chinese travellers due to numerous favourable considerations, such as simpler visa procedures, more affordable prices, and convenient transportation. Japan, Thailand, and South Korea were the top three choices, followed closely by Singapore, Malaysia, and the Maldives. Entitled, “The Outbound Chinese Tourism and Consumption Trends: 2017 Survey”, it revealed that 28 per cent of Chinese tourists currently used mobile payment, quickly approaching the number of cash payment users which stood at 30 per cent. “Compared with the previous two years, the proportion of cash payment has declined, while the use of mobile payments has increased. “Total transaction volume via mobile payments has also been on the rise, of which 77 per cent of Chinese tourists spent more via mobile payments on their most recent overseas trip than on previous trips, over the past two years,” it said. Over 90 per cent of Chinese tourists would consider using mobile payments, and purchase more goods and services when travelling overseas, if more merchants accepted these form of payments in the future. Huang said the modern day Chinese tourists looked to have the same payment convenience they enjoyed back home when travelling the globe. -- BERNAMA