Maldives Enhances Chinese Tourist Experience with Weixin Pay Integration

aldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC/Visit Maldives) has announced a significant partnership with Weixin Pay to enhance the travel experience for Chinese tourists. On May 27, during ITB China 2024, Zihuny Rasheed, Deputy Managing Director of MMPRC, and Etienne Ng, Weixin Pay's Country Manager, Singapore and Regional Director, Southeast Asia, WeChat Pay, signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This agreement aims to support Maldivian merchants in accepting Weixin Pay, providing Chinese tourists with a familiar and convenient payment option.
“China is a key source of tourists for the Maldives, and we greatly value the experience of Chinese visitors,” said Zihuny Rasheed. “We plan on promoting the acceptance of Weixin Pay throughout the country, offering Chinese tourists the payment option they are familiar with and prefer. I have used Weixin Pay during my visit to China via linking an international card, and I can attest to the convenience of the mobile payment option."
Maldives Minister of Tourism Ibrahim Faisal expressed his support for the initiative. “We are excited to introduce Weixin Pay for Chinese visitors, which is another step in establishing the Maldives as their top destination. Now, it’s easier than ever for Chinese travellers to enjoy their stay, hassle-free. We look forward to further enhancing their experience,” he said.
Weixin Pay is currently being piloted at the country’s airport duty-free store, as well as in popular restaurants like Sala Thai and City Garden. Several hotels and resorts are participating, including JEN Maldives Malé by Shangri-La, Adaaran Select HudhuranFushi, Adaaran Club Rannalhi, Adaaran Prestige Vadoo, Adaaran Prestige Water Villas, Velaa Private Island, Cheval Blanc Randheli Private Island, Dhawa Ihuru Maldives, Ayada Maldives, Marriott Bonvoy, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, and Angsana Velavaru. The initiative is supported by the Bank of Maldives and local merchants, aiming to integrate the payment option with 8,000 merchants nationwide.
“Weixin Pay is committed to providing users with safe and convenient payment services. Since the visa exemption policy was implemented, more and more Weixin Pay users have chosen to travel to the island country. Through our cooperation with Visit Maldives, we aim to provide Chinese users with the same convenient experience in travel as they experience at home," said Etienne Ng.
In February 2023, an Agreement on Mutual Exemption of Visa Requirements between the Maldives and China took effect, as China expanded its visa-free policy to benefit more countries. Consequently, the Maldives has consistently ranked among the top overseas destinations for Chinese tourists during popular travel periods such as the May Day and National Day holidays.
According to data from Visit Maldives, the country welcomed over 1.8 million tourists in 2023, setting a new national record. The Chinese market has been a key source market for the Maldives. As of May 11, 2024, China is the number one source market with 91,073 tourist arrivals.
This collaboration with Weixin Pay is part of the Maldives' broader strategy to cater to the preferences of Chinese tourists and enhance their overall experience. By integrating a payment method widely used in China, the Maldives aims to provide a more convenient and enjoyable stay for its visitors.