Transactions via Alipay+ Partner E-Wallets Surge in Germany Amid UEFA EURO 2024
As international football fans flock to Germany for UEFA EURO 2024, Alipay+ has announced a significant increase in transactions, with a rise of over two-thirds (67%) during the tournament’s opening week (June 13th – June 19th, 2024). Alipay+, an official sponsor of UEFA EURO 2024TM, offers a suite of cross-border mobile payments and digitalization solutions, supporting 30 global e-wallets and banking apps.
During this period, the number of customers using Alipay+ partner wallets grew by 59% week-on-week, with the total transaction value increasing by 56%, benefiting local SMEs in sectors like food and beverage, retail, and travel. Across Europe, Alipay+ transactions saw a 13% week-on-week rise as fans gathered in various venues to watch the matches.
Tourist spending with the fintech in Europe increased by 29% compared to 2023, and 11% compared to the previous week, driven by a surge in international tourism from China and other Asian countries, and the growing appeal of Europe as a travel destination post-pandemic.
Louise Farina, the ninth-generation owner of Cologne’s Farina Duftmuseum, the world’s oldest perfume house, remarked on the vibrant atmosphere in Cologne and the convenience of offering the fintech to Asian tourists, a key customer base for the museum’s famous fragrances.
In Düsseldorf, Muxin Guo, owner of Zhang Liang Malatang Spicy Hot Pot, highlighted the benefits of Alipay+ for international guests, particularly from Asia, enhancing the restaurant’s appeal in a city renowned for its Asian cuisine.
The fintech now supports over 400,000 merchants across Europe, including over 120,000 in the DACH region. Among the 15 Alipay+ mobile partners in Germany are Alipay (Chinese mainland), AlipayHK (Hong Kong SAR, China), MPay (Macao SAR, China), Touch ’n Go eWallet (Malaysia), Hipay (Mongolia), GCash (The Philippines), OCBC Digital and Changi Pay (Singapore), TrueMoney (Thailand), Tinaba (Italy), Bluecode (Germany and Austria), and Kakao Pay, Naver Pay, and Toss Pay (South Korea).
Ilaria Limelli, a 22-year-old Italian creative using the Tinaba app via Alipay+, praised the convenience of using her e-wallet at the stadium and local stores, enhancing her experience supporting the Italian team.
Pietro Candela, General Manager of Europe at the fintech, commented on the growing interest in immersive, experience-based travel among young Asian mobile app users. He emphasized The fintech’s commitment to collaborating with partners to develop flexible, SME-ready digital tools that support German and European businesses in engaging with the new generation of digitally native travelers.
About Alipay+
Alipay+ is a suite of cross-border mobile payment and digitalization solutions that connect global merchants with consumers. It enables seamless payment experiences and a wide range of deals using preferred payment methods while traveling. Small and medium-sized businesses can utilize Alipay+ digital tools to improve efficiency and reach.
