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Chinese consumers are increasingly using mobile payments options as their preferred method of payment for goods and services.
TORONTO – Two of Toronto’s biggest attractions are now accepting two of China’s biggest mobile payment options. WeChat Pay and Alipay are now being accepted at the CN Tower and Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada. The addition of WeChat Pay and Alipay mean both attractions can accept payment in Chinese RMB converted to Canadian dollars via their respective apps.
Chinese consumers are increasingly using mobile payments options as their preferred method of payment for goods and services. Together, WeChat Pay and Alipay have more than 1.3 billion active users. The apps launched in Canada last spring.
“2018 has been declared the Canada-China Year of Tourism. This is a time to focus on how easy it is for Chinese travellers to visit Toronto and experience the region in a way that’s both exciting and convenient,” said Johanne Bélanger, President and CEO of Tourism Toronto. “That sense of welcome Toronto is known for extends to welcoming the payment options that many Chinese visitors are comfortable using.”
Both the Government of Canada and the Government of China announced 2018 as the Year of Canada-China Tourism. The celebrations officially kick off with an opening ceremonies hosted by the China National Tourism Administration on March 21 in Toronto.
Recognizing the growing Chinese market, Tourism Toronto partnered with OTT Pay Inc. to introduce the Chinese mobile payment service WeChat Pay and Alipay to Toronto businesses to boost travel and shopping consumption by Chinese travellers.
China has been Toronto’s largest overseas market since 2014 with 319,000 visitors coming to the region last year. Over the past five years, visits from China have increased more than 100 per cent. Visitors from China spent $304 million in 2017 – an increase of 147 per cent over five years.
A growing list of businesses are now accepting Chinese mobile payment option including Oxford Properties (Yorkdale, Scarborough Town Centre and Square One) and recently announced Cadillac Fairview properties (CF Toronto Eaton Centre and CF Sherway Gardens) – another step to make the Toronto region “China-ready.”
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“Our partnership with Toronto Tourism is helping the region increase engagement and commerce with Chinese travellers. An overwhelming number of Chinese consumers are using mobile payment apps not only in China, but around the world. We’re thrilled the CN Tower and Ripley’s Aquarium are joining other top-tier Toronto businesses by introducing OTT Pay to enable WeChat Pay and Alipay into their array of payment options.” – Robin Tam, Regional Manager, Strategy & Corporate Development, OTT Pay Inc.
“Now local guests and those visiting from China can use WeChat Pay and Alipay to take in breathtaking views, book an EdgeWalk or dine with us at the 360 Restaurant at the top of the CN Tower. Each year, more than 1.9 million people visit the CN Tower and with WeChat Pay and Alipay, we can welcome even more.” – Neil Jones, Chief Operating Officer, CN Tower
“Ripley’s Aquarium was one of the first attractions in Toronto to implement WeChat Pay and Alipay. As a company we find it important to adopt the latest technologies especially systems that make it easier for guests to visit. Since launching WeChat Pay and Alipay we have seen more and more Chinese visitors visiting and choosing mobile payment apps.” – Peter Doyle, General Manager, Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada
“Tourism is a key economic driver in Ontario, supporting nearly 400,000 jobs and generating over $32 billion of economic activity. It’s excellent to hear that this province’s attractions are drawing in visitors from China and across the globe. We know that Ontario is a preferred destination for tourists from China and it’s important that we make it convenient for visitors to pay in their currency of choice. China and Ontario have long enjoyed a strong relationship, and our government continues to work with our tourism partners to embrace opportunities that support growth in the industry.” – The Honourable Daiene Vernile, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport
“This new arrangement between WeChat Pay, Alipay, and the CN Tower and Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada brings Ontario retailers and Chinese visitors to Canada together through technology. More importantly, it positions Ontario as a premier destination for Chinese tourists – one that boasts greater convenience and accessibility for them.” – The Honourable Michael Chan, Minister of International Trade
Tatiana is the news co-ordinator for TravelDailyNews Media Network (traveldailynews.gr, traveldailynews.com and traveldailynews.asia). Her role includes to monitor the hundrends of news sources of TravelDailyNews Media Network and skim the most important according to our strategy. She holds a Bachelor degree in Communication & Mass Media from Panteion University of Political & Social Studies of Athens and she has been editor and editor-in-chief in various economic magazines and newspapers.
