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The 2025 Chinese New Year marked a significant milestone in travel spending, with Alipay reporting impressive increases in both inbound and outbound travel transactions. This surge highlights a broader trend where digital payment solutions are becoming integral to the travel experience for Chinese tourists and international visitors alike.
Outbound travel spending trends
During this festive period, outbound spending saw a remarkable 30% year-on-year increase across Alipay’s global merchant network. Notably, popular destinations such as Singapore, Japan, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and South Korea experienced substantial growth. Singapore led the charge with a staggering 56% rise in Alipay spending, while Japan followed closely with a 40% increase. This trend underscores the growing preference for digital payment methods among travelers, facilitating seamless transactions and enhancing the overall travel experience.
Local experiences and long-haul travel
Long-haul travel also demonstrated significant growth, particularly in Europe, where Alipay transactions increased by 30%. Travelers are increasingly investing in local experiences, with spending on meals rising by 33%, snacks by 36%, and desserts by an impressive 54%. Furthermore, local transportation spending, encompassing buses, subways, and ride-hailing services, skyrocketed by 139%. This shift indicates a growing inclination among travelers to immerse themselves in local cultures and experiences, supported by the convenience of digital payments.
Inbound travel spending from international visitors
On the inbound front, Alipay reported a staggering 150% year-on-year increase in travel spending from international visitors to China during the initial five days of the Chinese New Year. Notably, spending from countries with visa-free access to China surged by 200%. The first four days of the holiday saw the number of overseas e-wallet users making payments in China nearly double, with AlipayHK, Malaysia’s Touch ’n Go, and Macao’s MPay leading the charge. This remarkable growth reflects the increasing acceptance and utilization of Alipay’s cross-border payment solutions, which now support 13 e-wallets in addition to domestic options.
As the world continues to embrace digital payment solutions, the travel industry is poised for further transformation. The trends observed during the 2025 Chinese New Year serve as a testament to the evolving landscape of travel spending, where convenience and technology play pivotal roles in shaping the experiences of travelers worldwide.