Mall of America has announced a partnership with Citcon to allow Chinese tourists shopping at the mall to use Alipay and WeChat Pay to make purchases.
- Shopping centre partners with Chinese mobile payment provider to attract tourists with familiar payment options
- Merchants will be able to accept Alipay and WeChat Pay from Chinese consumers
- Payments will be accepted at select mall retailers, guest services and mall’s theme park
Mall of America, the nation’s largest retail and entertainment complex, has announced a partnership with Citcon, a Chinese firm that provides online money transfer and marketing services. The deal will allow Chinese tourists shopping at the mall to use Alipay and WeChat Pay to make purchases.
As the world’s leading outbound tourist country five years in a row, China is driving changes in international tourism. Chinese tourists account for roughly 21% of all tourism spending abroad and it is expected that about 5 million Chinese tourists will spend approximately $80bn in the United States alone in 2020.
For retailers and entertainment destinations, these numbers are a clear sign that making payments easier for Chinese tourists is a smart move.
At Mall of America, the deal with Citcon is indicative of the influence of China’s growing middle class on international travel. Millions of Chinese citizens prefer to make purchases by online money transfer and other cashless methods, and they expect these same conveniences when they travel for business or pleasure.
According to research, about 65% of Chinese travellers have used mobile payment methods while visiting abroad, compared to just 11% of non-Chinese tourists.
Alipay and WeChat pay will be accepted at select Mall of America stores, guest services and at Nickelodeon Universe, the mall’s on-property theme park.
“As a destination that attracts over 40 million visitors annually, it’s crucial for us to continue providing services for our guests to create a seamless experience when visiting Mall of America,” said Jill Renslow, Senior Vice President of Business Development and Marketing.
To find out how to make purchases or international money transfers while traveling, visit our services locator here.
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