Alipay, a Chinese digital payment platform operated by Ant Financial Services Group, and San Francisco’s tourist destination PIER 39, announced on Wednesday they have formed a partnership to create a seamless payment experience for Chinese travelers.
The duo reported that through the partnership, more than 40 merchants and vendors located on PIER 39 will now accept payment through Alipay’s mobile wallet through point-of-sale machines activated and implemented by CITCON, a cross-border mobile payment and marketing solutions provider that helps connect merchants with Chinese mobile wallet users. While sharing details about the partnership, Taylor Safford, President and CEO of PIER 39, stated:
“Chinese consumers visiting San Francisco love to visit PIER 39. Through our partnership with Alipay, we can now provide these travelers with a familiar, seamless payment experience, whether they are exploring the aquarium, dining at one of our beautiful waterfront restaurants, or shopping on The PIER.”
Souheil Badran, President of Alipay Americas, also commented:
“Chinese consumers seek out authentic and exciting local experiences while traveling, and San Francisco’s PIER 39 is exactly that kind of iconic destination. We are thrilled to partner with PIER 39. By enabling them to use Alipay at the register, they are diminishing payment and language barriers, providing these Chinese travelers with the best shopping and touring experience possible.”
Chuck Huang, Founder and CEO of CITCON, then added:
“Mobile payments are now an integral part of Chinese consumer culture. Providing a welcoming environment and comfortable checkout experience to Chinese consumers is the key to success in the tourism industry. We are committed to connecting businesses with Chinese consumers, and excited to partner with PIER 39 and Alipay to welcome and better serve Chinese travelers.”