Marriott International has partnered Ant Financial Services Group so that guests at select Marriott International hotels will be given the option to pay for their hotel stays, food and beverage purchases as well as for meeting and event bookings using Alipay on their smartphones. Marriott will initially activate Alipay at 10 hotels in greater China, gradually expanding to other hotels in China and across Asia by mid-2016. Marriott also expects to introduce Alipay to properties in key markets outside Asia by the end of 2016.
Hotel guests will be able to scan their unique QR code or barcode at check-out to settle their bills, or pre-pay before arrival – an innovative payment option which is expected to fast-track check-outs. For a limited time at participating hotels, Marriott Rewards members who book through Marriott’s direct channels and use Alipay can enjoy a discount of up to eight per cent off the ‘best available rate’ or ‘best available rate with breakfast’.
Craig S Smith, president and managing director, Marriott International, Asia Pacific said, “Marriott International is playing a leading role in this seminal transformation within the hospitality sector, which will ultimately allow travellers and meeting planners from China and abroad to pay in a more streamlined, seamless and digital way with their mobile device. We are delighted to work with Ant Financial Services Group. Leveraging the cutting-edge technology of Alipay and its significant 80 market share in China, Marriott is going beyond just comfort and customisation at the property level, to meet the needs of travellers in a way that no other global hotel brand does today. It is a real demonstration of how we aim to deliver more local and innovative services to our customers.”
Alipay currently has 400 million registered users and 200 financial institution partners. It handles over 120 million transactions daily, of which mobile payment accounts for more than half.
Sabrina Peng, president, Ant Financial’s international business unit said, “Alipay is the future of payments, and our vision is to better serve our users, even when they are travelling. We approached Marriott International because of its strong brand recognition and growth plan in Asia and around the world, making it an ideal partner for Alipay. We see this relationship as the beginning of a deeper collaboration between the two brands, all with the Chinese consumer in mind.”