At the World Travel Market (WTM) in London, UnionPay presented ‘Project Excellence 2024’ at the China Pavilion and introduced a range of initiatives aimed at easing payment challenges for inbound tourists to China. These initiatives address common challenges faced by inbound travellers and introduces solutions to make payments in China more accessible and seamless.
UnionPay’s latest efforts with ‘Project Excellence 2024’ enable tourists to use UnionPay cards across 41 key cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu, covering scenarios such as transportation, dining, accommodation, shopping, and more. The project focuses on improving acceptance in eight essential sectors, like public transit, education, entertainment, medical care, and tourism attractions.
Enhanced Payment Solutions: UnionPay Tour Card and Splendor Plus Card
UnionPay introduced two specialized cards tailored to different travellers’ needs. The UnionPay ‘Tour Card’ targets short-term visitors seeking an efficient, secure payment method and is best for those who do not hold a mainland bank card. Tourists can apply for the card via the UnionPay App, top up funds from their bank accounts, and use it for both online and offline purchases across China. This card is designed to integrate seamlessly with UnionPay’s widespread QR code and contactless payment systems.
For frequent and long-term visitors, such as expatriates and students, the Splendor Plus Card offers unique perks, including cash rebates on purchases within China and special discounts at top tourist destinations. The card also provides digitalized privileges via UnionPay’s U Rewards and U Plan, making it easier for travellers to redeem offers and enjoy exclusive benefits.
At WTM, UnionPay representative highlighted the Tour Card as the easiest and most seamless payment option for tourists travelling in China: “The UnionPay Tour Card is incredibly convenient. When travellers arrive in China, they can simply download the UnionPay App, search for the Tour Card, and apply with their mobile. The e-card will be available following easy application process.”
UnionPay’s Expansion with Yi An App for European Travellers
To further encourage cross-border travel, UnionPay focuses on providing a streamlined payment experience for European travellers visiting China.
At present, many European countries such as Spain and Serbia have issued UnionPay cards locally.
UnionPay International and the Spanish fintech Pecunpay, an Electronic Money Institution belonging to Minsait Payments (Indra Group), continue to work closely to issue UnionPay cards in Europe via Yi An’s App. Developed by Pecunpay, this app offers European EEA Area travellers a new way to easily manage their accounts during their stay in China and make payments with card or QR codes. Through Yi An’s App, European EEA Area residents can instantly apply for the UnionPay card, top up their accounts, and track transactions directly from their phones. This simplified mobile app, which includes free legal and travel assistance insurance, allows European UnionPay cardholders to withdraw cash and pay effortlessly in China.
Cross-Border Payment Integration Option through Third Party Payments
UnionPay has further simplified payments by enabling international tourists to link their UnionPay cards issued outside Chinese Mainland with Alipay and Ｗeixin Pay, two of China’spopular mobile payment platforms. This integration allows UnionPay cardholders to pay with QR codes at both small vendors and large retailers, expanding payment accessibility across diverse scenarios such as taxis, restaurants, and even street markets.
UnionPay’s commitment to building a user-friendly payment ecosystem is bolstered by its extensive marketing efforts, aiming to increase awareness among international travellers through short videos, online media, and other platforms, reaching an estimated 300 million people worldwide. The company has also invested to broadening its acceptance network and enhancing merchant training. Since 2016, contactless functionality has been a requirement for new POS (Point of Sale) terminals. Currently, around 80% of POS terminals support contactless transactions, with all of these terminals supporting UnionPay contactless function. UnionPay’s contactless payment option has also expanded to cover public transportation networks, including buses, metros, and trains in over 40 major Chinese cities, making it easier for tourists to move around without carrying cash.
With ‘Project Excellence 2024,’ UnionPay is set to play a central role in supporting China’s goals to attract more inbound tourism. By addressing common payment challenges, UnionPay is making China’s payment landscape friendlier and more accessible for foreign visitors, reinforcing the country’s position as a top global destination.
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