Grab Thailand, a famed ride-hailing company, has undertaken an initiative to step up its presence among tourists from China and South Korea. An innovative partnership has been struck with Alipay, a leading Chinese digital wallet platform, and Kakao Pay, a popular South Korean mobile payment method. The ingenious move is intended to provide a more streamlined payment solution for the large influx of tourists from both nations.
“A logical next step in our strategy is to engage with the burgeoning Chinese market,” stated Worachat Luxkanalode, the Country Head of Grab Thailand, “In order to do so, we are thrilled to enter an alliance with Alipay, an immensely popular digital wallet used by over 1 billion Chinese consumers. We have a clear objective – to facilitate effortless Alipay transactions when utilizing Grab services.”
Furthermore, Grab Thailand is reportedly integrating Kakao Pay into its system to tailor an improved experience for South Korean tourists. The integration of both payment services is happening gradually and is expected to be fully operational by the third quarter of this fiscal year.
Despite the recent challenges, the Thai tourism sector has made a robust recovery since the country’s gates have been unlocked. Approximately 12 million tourists have been drawn to Thailand’s idyllic landscapes just in the first six months of this year alone. Particularly, Chinese tourists have flocked to Thailand in record numbers, representing over 1.4 million visitors.
This momentum is mirrored in Grab’s growth in foreign users – noticeably in mobility services. The trips undertaken by Chinese users saw a boost of 38% in Q2, compared to the previous quarter.
A significant study conducted by Grab Thailand offered intriguing insights into the preferences of about 3000 Chinese residents from urban centers like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. The research suggests a compelling 97% chose Thailand as the perfect getaway for leisure activities. Thailand topped the list, followed by Singapore and Malaysia, attracting 71%, 66%, and 53% tourists respectively.
According to the survey, a large majority prefer travelling in small groups of 2 to 4 people (81%). The top five Thai destinations favored by Chinese tourists include Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, and Koh Samui. The average duration of stay is seven days, with an estimated budget of around 103,060 baht.
“Our focus is primarily on Chinese tourists this year. Grab’s wide array of services coupled with high safety standards and pricing transparency has made it a preferred platform,” Luxkanalode disclosed.
Grab Thailand has been successful in building an excellent rapport with tourists across several countries that result in glowing recommendations. In addition, it rolled out various initiatives targeting Chinese tourists, including collaborative online marketing campaigns, thereby elevating its reputation.
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