Visit Maldives Partners with Weixin Pay to Attract Chinese Tourists

The Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC), also known as Visit Maldives, has announced its support for Weixin Pay acceptance to attract more Chinese tourists to the island nation. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance the convenience and appeal of the Maldives as a travel destination for Chinese visitors.

Weixin Pay, also known as WeChat Pay, is a payment function of the popular Chinese messaging app WeChat, which boasts over 1 billion monthly active users. The Chinese tech giant Tencent aims to expand the coverage of WeChat Pay in the Maldives to 8,000 merchants by the end of this year.

Why this matters: The Maldives' decision to support Weixin Pay acceptance has significant implications for the country's tourism industry and economy. This move is expected to increase tourist arrivals and revenue, further boosting the country's economy.

The formal partnership was signed on May 27, 2024, between Zihuny Rasheed, Deputy Managing Director of MMPRC, and Etienne Ng, Weixin Pay's Country Manager for Singapore and Regional Director for Southeast Asia. This agreement aims to make it easier for Chinese tourists to make payments during their stay in the Maldives.

Zihuny Rasheed expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, "We are thrilled to partner with Weixin Pay to provide a seamless payment experience for Chinese tourists visiting the Maldives." The move is expected to significantly boost the number of Chinese tourists, who are a key market for the Maldives' tourism industry.

The Maldives received over 1.7 million tourists in 2023, with China being one of the top source markets. The country aims to increase tourist arrivals from China by 10% in 2024. By supporting Weixin Pay acceptance, MMPRC/Visit Maldives aims to make it easier for Chinese tourists to visit and experience the beauty of the Maldives, thereby increasing tourist arrivals and revenue for the country.

Weixin Pay is currently being piloted at the country's airport duty-free store and in popular restaurants such as Sala Thai and City Garden. Several resorts and properties have already started accepting Weixin Pay, including JEN Maldives Male by Shangri-La, Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi, and Velaa Private Island. The Bank of Maldives and local merchants will provide strong support for Weixin Pay transactions.

The Maldives and China signed an agreement on visa exemption in February 2023, which has led to an increase in Chinese tourists visiting the Maldives. China reclaimed its top spot being the largest source market for the Maldives in 2024, with over 95,000 arrivals as of May 22, 2024.

The partnership between MMPRC/Visit Maldives and Weixin Pay is a strategic move to cater to the preferences of Chinese tourists, who increasingly seek convenient and cashless payment options while traveling. The Maldives continues to promote itself as a premier tourist destination, and the acceptance of Weixin Pay is expected to enhance the overall travel experience for Chinese visitors.

By supporting Weixin Pay acceptance, the Maldives aims to make it easier for Chinese tourists to visit and enjoy the island nation's luxury resorts and pristine beaches. This initiative is expected to increase tourist arrivals and revenue, further boosting the country's economy.

Key Takeaways

• MMPRC/Visit Maldives partners with Weixin Pay to attract more Chinese tourists.
• Weixin Pay aims to cover 8,000 merchants in the Maldives by end of 2024.
• China is a key market for the Maldives' tourism industry, with 1.7 million tourists in 2023.
• The partnership aims to increase tourist arrivals from China by 10% in 2024.
• Weixin Pay is already being piloted at the airport duty-free store and popular restaurants.