Starfish Travel Corporation Team

Leading Turkish low-cost carrier Pegasus Airlines has joined forces with climate technology company CHOOOSE, based in Norway. When passengers fly with Pegasus Airlines, they can go to flypgs.choose.today to measure the carbon footprint of their flights and reduce their travel-related emissions by assisting in the implementation of verified climate solutions. Güliz ztürk, CEO of Pegasus Airlines, issued a statement reiterating his company’s unshakable commitment to the aviation industry’s sustainability objectives. He said: “At Pegasus Airlines, we are very glad to have made yet another step towards sustainability. We have committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050 in terms of climate action. Our emissions intensity objective, which aims to cut carbon emissions per revenue passenger kilometers by 20% by 2030 compared to 2019 levels, has further strengthened our commitment. Significant reductions in our activities and the infrastructure we rely on will be necessary to meet our aims. To reach our goals, we are engaged in a variety of projects. We also understand that our customers want to be given the chance to make decisions about their vacation. We firmly think that in order to achieve sustainability, the entire ecosystem must work together and take joint action. In order to encourage our visitors to take climate action while traveling, we sought to develop a new platform. We are excited to collaborate with CHOOOSE to introduce this innovative climate initiative. We anticipate that this program will give us more chances to interact with our visitors about our sustainability efforts. “We are honored to work with Pegasus Airlines and support their customers’ efforts to combat climate change. People are wanting to understand their emissions and support climate solutions in greater and greater numbers. The CHOOOSE CEO, Andreas Slettvoll, expressed his excitement about making climate action more accessible to tourists in Turkey and beyond. The new platform enables users to calculate their greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) and offers corporate travel managers and travelers the chance to voluntarily reduce the carbon emissions caused by their travel by making donations to initiatives that support global climate action, such as the development of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The booking flow integration will be included to the climate program. Source- Travel dailyLink- https://www.traveldailymedia.com/pegasus-airlines-announces-climate-program-partnership-with-chooose/

The Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu (RCJY), represented by Jazan City for Primary and Downstream Industries (JCPDI), and Cruise Saudi signed an MoU at the MASAREB Ceremony in Jazan with the shared goal of developing accessibility and experiences in this region on a local, regional, and global level. The two parties share a common vision that is centered on destination establishment and having a good local influence, from knowledge transfer to aligning on opportunities that are mutually advantageous. Due to its infrastructure and advantageous location, JCPDI will be developed by RCJY with the audacious goal of making it a significant entry point for both domestic and foreign tourists, making the city the main gateway to the southern region of Saudi Arabia. Cruise Saudi will be instrumental in bridging the gap between Jazan and the cruise lines. The event, which was held at the Grand Millennium Jazan Hotel, was attended by leaders from the tourism industry, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz bin Mohammad bin Abdulaziz, the Deputy Governor of the Jazan region, His Excellency the President of the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu, Eng. Khaled Al-Salem, the Acting CEO of Jazan City for Primary and Downstream Industries, Dr. Hussain bin Yahya Fad In his address to the audience, Fawaz Farooqui stressed Cruise Saudi’s eagerness to work with RCJY on the shared goal of building a sea gate that welcomes visitors from around the world to discover the Southern Region as a component of the Saudi cruising ecosystem. Jazan, located at the southernmost point of Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast, is a hidden gem with pristine beaches, blue waters, lush woods, and jagged mountain peaks. Jazan, which stretches for more than 200 kilometers along the glistening Red Sea, is aligned with the current Saudi ports run by Cruise Saudi and offers a solid foundation from which to organize extraordinary onshore excursions, one-of-a-kind encounters, and expose breathtaking beauty that was previously concealed from foreign tourists. Interim CEO of JCPDI Dr. Hussain bin Yahya Fadhli stated: “Today represents a positive step for us inside Saudi Arabia’s thriving tourist sector. As part of our larger goals to expand JCDPI Waterfront, we are excited to be looking at a partnership with Cruise Saudi. We hope to transform this area into a bustling center for commerce, tourism, and leisure with better access to the larger Southern region. “The reimagining and development of JCPDI is another significant milestone in Saudi Arabia’s tourism journey as part of Vision 2030, of which cruising forms a significant component,” said Lars Clasen, CEO of Cruise Saudi. By making Jazan accessible to tourists from around the world, we can keep growing our special selection of as yet undiscovered amazing and one-of-a-kind tourism experiences. We’re eager to see what the future holds for Cruise Saudi and a place with so much promise for foreign travelers. The goal of Cruise Saudi, a significant player on the global cruising scene, is to welcome 1.3 million cruise passengers to experience Saudi Arabia via the sea by 2035. Cruise Saudi offers a strong and distinctive value proposition to international cruise lines and their passengers in addition to developing an industry that has a favorable effect on the standard of living in the region through a variety of carefully curated, high-quality shore experiences, as well as the ongoing development and operation of premium ports and cruise terminals in Saudi Arabia. Source- Travel dailyLink- https://www.traveldailymedia.com/cruise-saudi-and-royal-commission-for-jubail-and-yanbu-sign-mou/

Airlines and hotels offer special deals known as Travel Rewards as extra benefits on some credit cards. However, obtaining these astounding offers isn’t always simple. They are often granted to seasoned customers who have established their trustworthiness by a number of purchases and accumulated credit points. How do you arrive there? beginning early. This helps you cross items off your bucket list in addition to giving you a good start on your financial journey! In order to get the most out of your vacation while ensuring that your wallet is not affected, use your credit card wisely and use a combination of cards. The details on how to accomplish this and explore the world while you’re still young are as follows: Find the ideal partner Finding “the one” is even more important because there are so many travel credit card incentives available. In these circumstances, co-branded credit cards make the most sense. They offer you the protection of the bank and the legitimacy of the flight/hotel brand—the best of both worlds. These open the door for wonderful advantages like: Totally free premium tickets Vacation credits as welcome bonusesfree access to domestic and international loungeshotel gift cards for stays at resorts, 5-star hotels, and more!Co-branded credit cards can be the ideal solution for making sumptuous travel cost-effective. Find hidden treasure Consider exchanging your travel benefits for a very valuable ticket to Santorini. The process of converting your reward points into hotel reservations and airline miles may be really joyful. These points accumulate as you go about your everyday expenditures, and you may convert them into actual tickets. CRED can be your best friend in this situation thanks to its wealth of benefits, and your bank can guide you through this transfer and make it easier for you to choose the most advantageous option. Right time, right location, and right choice Remember how we used to “match the column” in school? Well, you can now use that ingenious trick to control your credit card spending. Use the appropriate credit cards for the appropriate portions of your vacation, just as you would when utilizing the appropriate tool for the job. This might help you the most while limiting how much of your credit you use. Do you worry about managing several cards? Never be. It’s simple thanks to tools like CRED. With its clever capabilities, you can easily manage all of your costs, keep track of all of your incentives, and much more in one location. It’s like having your headquarters for travel and expenses under one roof. Only pleasant surprises! The best way to escape is to travel. You definitely don’t want unforeseen costs to deplete your travel funds. Here’s how to keep your hard-earned cash in your pocket, where it belongs. A transaction fee for credit cards used abroad might be anything between 1% and 3%. Select credit cards that have your back by avoiding those with foreign transaction fees. On platforms, clever technologies can assist you discover transaction fees and avoid any unpleasant surprises while you make your way to fun-ville. The ideal travel companion? the phone. You have a hundred tabs open; close them all. Put away your calendars and switch to more intelligent travel. For a memorable trip, curated travel alternatives are now being offered on a number of platforms. CRED Escapes redefines travel with opulent lodging, unusual activities, and hygienic security inspections. Be all in: meet new people, travel to new places, scuba dive in pristine waters, and choose the untraveled path. As a traveler, savor the depths of your getaways and find comfort—the honorable way. Source- Travel daily

At the Sydney Lyric Theatre, the world-famous musical WICKED begins performances in Australia’s very own Emerald City. The Sydney Lyric’s neighborhood has been painted green to heighten the excitement as a result of the intense demand and expectation. Elphaba went up to the roof of The Star this morning to take in the metropolitan skyline and the Western skies in anticipation of the arrival of WICKED in Sydney this evening. The event will run through the end of the year because to the overwhelming demand, providing tourists from outside the country plenty of time to purchase tickets. John Frost, a co-producer of WICKED Australia, expressed his excitement about being able to bring the musical to Sydney at the same time as its 20th anniversary on Broadway. The whole Broadway experience is being presented in one of the most opulent musical performances to ever tour Australia. With the magnificent sets and sumptuous costumes, you receive more value than you paid for—a feast for the senses. If you’ve never seen WICKED, go see movie now and prepare to be mesmerized. If you’ve already watched it, I’m confident you’ll want to go back and be mesmerized once more. Purchase your tickets as soon as you can. The NSW Government, through its tourism and major events organization, Destination NSW, enthusiastically supports WICKED. John Graham, the minister of the arts and the minister of employment and tourism, declared: “I am delighted that WICKED, one of my favorite musicals, will be performed at the Sydney Lyric Theatre during its 20th anniversary year on Broadway. I am excited to watch this production. Both locals and visitors may enjoy a little Broadway right here in Sydney. This top-notch show will play a significant role in increasing the number of visitors from India and establishing Sydney as Australia’s center for the performing arts. Indian audiences have demonstrated a passion for a blockbuster musical because to their long history with Bollywood, and they are increasingly traveling to see live performances. Nearly 20 years after its Broadway debut, WICKED is still among the most lucrative and well-liked musicals ever produced. WICKED is “A Complete Triumph! An original musical that will make you laugh, cry, and think,” according to USA Today. It has won over 100 prestigious honors, including the Grammy Award, the Olivier Award, six Helpmann honors, three Tony Awards®, and six Drama Desk Awards. Courtney Monsma as Glinda, the effervescent popular girl who develops into “Glinda the Good,” and Sheridan Adams as Elphaba, the young woman with emerald skin who develops into the “Wicked Witch of the West,” lead the outstanding Australian cast. Madame Morrible is portrayed by Robyn Nevin, the Wizard by Todd McKenney, Fiyero by Liam Head, Dr. Dillamond by Adam Murphy, Nessarose by Shewit Belay, Boq by Kurtis Papadinis, and the Elphaba Standby by Zoe Coppinger. The talented group of performers comprising the WICKED Ensemble and Swings includes Christian Ambesi, Conor Bann-Murray, Brittany Carter, Olivia Castagna, Eli Cooper, Matt Cranleigh, Joseph Donovan, Sage Douglas, Bayley John Edmends, Todd Jacobsson, Rohan Khanna, Andrew Kroenert, Elisha Zion Lee, Jordan Malone, Emily Monsma, Matilda Moran, Jackson Reedman, Amelia Sanzo, Edward Smith, Ksenia Teliatnikova, Lucas Van Rhijn, Jessica Vellucci, Mietta White and Jun Woodfield. Two more young women meet in the kingdom of Oz before Dorothy ever arrived. One with emerald-green skin from birth is brilliant, fiery, misunderstood, and endowed with a rare skill. The other is vivacious, blonde, ambitious, and incredibly well-liked. Initially enemies, they later become friends before the public labels one as “good” and the other as “wicked.” “A magical Broadway musical with BRAINS, HEART, and COURAGE” Time Magazine. “WICKED has outstanding production values. A STRONG PIECE OF THEATRE, according to The Australian The statement “A SPECTACULAR ENTERTAINMENT with deep emotions and a serious message” – The Japan Broadway would truly be a magnificent place if every show had WICKED’s intelligence, heart, and bravery. Time Magazine. WICKED is as magnificent as ever! Because it examines the difficulty of moral decisions and the costs associated with them, the play succeeds. It serves as a reminder of the power of musicals to portray intricate stories when they are supported by Winnie Holzman’s excellent book, Stephen Schwartz’s fantastic tunes, and Joe Mantello’s rich, visually stunning production. Of course, the two girls they refer to as the green girl and the blonde girl are relatable individuals. All of us fall into one of two categories. in the Chicago Tribune WICKED is a musical with lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, music by Winnie Holzman, and a book by Gregory Maguire. Joe Mantello’s original direction and Wayne Cilento’s musical staging are featured in the show. For Crossroads Live Australia, Marc Platt, Universal Pictures, The Araca Group, Jon B. Platt, and David Stone, WICKED is produced in Australia by John Frost. Source- Travel dailyLink- https://www.traveldailymedia.com/broadways-biggest-blockbuster-flies-into-sydney/

Turkiye is ready to dazzle tourists from all over the world with a range of enticing festivals and cultural events that will take you to a world of wonder because of its rich history and vibrant culture. The approaching festivals promise to be an experience that exceeds expectations, from the stunning vistas of Cappadocia to the busy streets of Istanbul. Let’s examine some of the most exciting developments that will occur from August to November in more detail. Festivals of the Turkiye Culture Route This cultural spectacle travels around 11 towns over the course of three months, from August 5 to November 12: Nevşehir Cappadocia, Trabzon, Erzurum, Anakale, Gaziantep, Ankara, Konya, Istanbul, Diyarbakr, Zmir, and Antalya. The celebrations are uniquely flavored by each city, exhibiting the variety of Turkiye’s customs, music, dancing, art, and cuisine. The Turkiye Culture Route Festivals, which highlight the blending of art and history, offer a venue for creatives, performers, musicians, and culture vultures to unite in celebration. The dynamic blending of traditional performances and modern artistic expressions will provide visitors with an immersive experience that connects the past and present. Aspendos International Opera and Ballet Festival in Antalya This year, September 4 through September 21 will see the return of the Antalya International Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival, which has been bringing together art enthusiasts since 1994. The 2000-year-old Aspendos Ancient Theatre will host this major event, Turkiye’s first opera and ballet festival, where audiences will be treated to breath-taking opera and ballet performances against a backdrop of rich history and architectural marvels. Festival de Jazz de Bozcaada From September 8 to 10, the Bozcaada Jazz Festival will enthrall spectators with its love of rhythm and melody. Smooth music and deep songs will permeate the air at this festival, which is located on the peaceful island of Bozcaada, creating an atmosphere of pure musical ecstasy. These upcoming festivities convey an invitation to participate in the rich cultural legacy of Turkiye while also providing tourists with a view into it. This festival series serves as a physical representation of Turkiye’s unwavering commitment to protecting and conserving its legacy with the rest of the world, whether it be through the cadence of traditional dance, the eerie beauty of Turkish tunes, or the magnificent performances set against historical settings. We kindly encourage you to take part in these celebrations that capture the very essence of the country’s history, artistry, and long traditions, to immerse yourself in the magic, to embrace the warmth of Turkish culture, and to do so.Source- Travel daily

The Formula 1 Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix will feature exceptional flight experiences provided by Maverick Helicopters. Maverick Helicopters will offer first-rate aerial views of the Las Vegas Strip, race track, and Grand Canyon throughout race week, which runs from Wednesday, November 15, to Saturday, November 18. Maverick Helicopters will provide visitors with the Vegas Victory Lap flight, which soars over the vivacious Las Vegas Strip, elevating the Las Vegas experience to new heights. Passengers will get a unique aerial view of the 17-turn, 3.8-mile street race track during this 12-minute trip. The panoramic views of Caesars Palace, Bellagio, the F1 Paddock Building, Wynn, The Venetian, Allegiant Stadium, Sphere, Downtown Las Vegas, and more allow visitors to take in the famous Vegas skyline. The first passenger on the Vegas Victory Lap jet pays $199. A luxurious helicopter tour to the Grand Canyon, one of the world’s greatest natural wonders, is called The GRAND Prix Experience. Visitors will fly over the 17-turn, 3.8-mile F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix race course on their way to and from the Grand Canyon to get unmatched aerial views. Bird’s-eye views of the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, Bowl of Fire, Mojave Desert, and more are among the additional attractions. This excursion will involve a landing 3,500 feet below the canyon’s rim where you can sample an improved champagne selection, beverages, and a food package with European flair. The price for the 4.5-hour GRAND PRIX EXPERIENCE begins at $799 per person. The price of the GRAND Prix Sunset Experience, which includes an extended landing and return at prime time, is $829 per person. Source- Travel dailyLink- https://www.traveldailymedia.com/maverick-helicopters-announces-aerial-experiences-for-formula-1-las-vegas-grand-prix-week/

According to the most recent Airbnb data, hosts and guests are becoming important economic force multipliers in many Philippine locations and localities. Despite a more than 70% decline in international visitor numbers as a result of the epidemic, Airbnb is reporting a significant uptick in both local and foreign guest visits throughout Southeast Asia, including the Philippines. Chinese tourists eager to travel to the Philippines Chinese travelers are showing a rising interest in visiting a wider range of locations ever since China’s cross-border travel was reopened. Chinese tourists searching for accommodations on Airbnb have increased by more than 10 times in the Philippines year over year. The region’s domestic tourist industry is still expanding. Domestic travel is still very common among local tourists even as international travel in Southeast Asia continues to improve. The number of nights booked on Airbnb in the Philippines more than doubled from 2020 to last year, although domestic travel remained the most popular option for residents in 2022. “Domestic tourism has proven to be resilient in times of crisis and an option of a more immediate and positive economic impact to local economies,” said Amanpreet Bajaj, General Manager of Airbnb for Southeast Asia, India, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. A weekend getaway to a location close to home is not only simpler to organize, but also far less expensive. By offering a wider range of reasonably priced lodging in new locations, Airbnb has demonstrated that it can encourage domestic tourism. Thanks to Airbnb, visitors can now visit a lot more locations. Expanding tourism to newer cities and villages Airbnb users stayed in more than 100,000 different cities and towns around the world in 2022. The top 10 Airbnb destinations with the most trips made up about 7% of all trips, down from 10% in 2019. By 2022, there were more than 25% more villages worldwide where visitors stayed than there were in 2012. This expansion of tourism to new and unique locations. More than 13,000 towns and localities around the world have already had their first Airbnb booking since March 2020. Over 900 new towns and localities in the Philippines receive their first Airbnb reservation during this time. Approximately 1 in 20 stays on Airbnb are booked using flexible search capabilities, which means that guests who book stays using these features are much less likely to stay in the most popular Airbnb destinations than guests who book stays using standard search. Globally, flexible travelers are about 23% less likely to stay in the top 20 Airbnb destinations. In contrast to excessive travel to prominent destinations, which focuses tourism economically and geographically, distributed travel is more cheap, supports local economies and jobs, and immerses individuals in these areas. Airbnb is assisting in spreading tourists, money, and tourism benefits around Southeast Asia to fresh, in-demand locations. We are investing in solutions to address the problems that mass tourism is creating around the world, helping visitors learn about new places and giving people new sources of income. Source- Travel daily

With a variety of forthcoming sailings from Singapore to places like Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, China, and Malaysia on board Asia’s most cutting-edge ship, set sail into a world of adventure and exploration. Check out the alternatives for never-ending fun below, whether you’re a group of friends searching for a weekend getaway or a family looking to make lifelong memories. Twelve Nights, Four Countries, and Seven Cities for the Casual Traveler The 12-night voyage from Singapore to Tokyo, Japan, leaving on September 19, 2023, will inspire wanderlust in those with a sense of adventure. Aboard the exciting, largest cruise ship in the area, and especially created for the Asian market, Spectrum of the Seas, guests will experience the sights, sounds, and cultures of Asia. With stops in Nha Trang, Vietnam, Hong Kong, China, and Nagasaki, Kumamoto, and Kagoshima, Japan, tourists can choose to independently explore the imperial capital of Vietnam or the cities of Japan. While Hong Kong’s iconic skyline, busy markets, and dynamic street life are sure to give a combination of cultural exploration and urban excitement, Nha Trang, noted for its magnificent coastline, clear blue waters, and rich marine life, is a dream for beach lovers. One of the most impressive castles in Japan, Kumamoto Castle offers visitors a glimpse into the country’s feudal past through its architecture and surrounding grounds. Sakurajima, an active volcano that towers over Kagoshima, is a well-known feature of the city. Visitors will have the exceptional chance to experience nature’s force firsthand. Visitors can tour these fascinating locations and take in the breathtaking scenery while sailing from one thrilling location to the next fully hassle-free and with a guaranteed good time. Ripcord by iFLY, FlowRider, and North Star, the tallest viewing deck on a cruise ship at over 100m above sea level, are additional attractions that passengers can cross off their bucket lists while onboard. The Ideal Vacation On the 6 November 2023, friends and family can take a much-needed vacation by boarding a 3-night Penang cruise. The brief but sweet sailing provides the ideal chance to unwind, refresh, and connect. Explore Penang’s gourmet markets while enjoying luxurious spa treatments and a variety of culinary options. New Year, New Vacation Spots There is no better way to start the new year than by embarking on a 9-night Thailand and Vietnam cruise that will depart on 2 January and 17 February 2024. Visitors can discover a variety of cultures, historical places, and street food from Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam to Bangkok in Thailand, opening the new year with fresh vistas. Ho Chi Minh City is a bustling metropolis that blends ancient and modern wonders, while Nha Trang is a beach lover’s paradise thanks to its immaculate beaches and clear waters. Explore remote coves and snorkeling locations by going on island hopping cruises. Bangkok is a kaleidoscope of sensations. Every interest is catered to by the city’s numerous attractions, which range from elaborate temples like Wat Arun and Wat Phra Kaew to the busy markets of Chatuchak and Khao San Road. Each place offers a different aspect of Asia’s rich tapestry, from the bustling streets of Bangkok to the coastline attractiveness of Nha Trang and the historical sites of Ho Chi Minh City. Adventure, relaxation, and a new outlook to begin the year are certain to come from the journey. Learn about the magic and majesty of Shanghai. Joining our 8-night Singapore to Shanghai cruise departing on April 18, 2024, will provide travelers the chance to fully immerse themselves in Shanghai’s lively culture, a city that skillfully combines Chinese tradition with modern living. Additionally, visitors will have the chance to take in Hong Kong’s bustling city life and the beaches of Nha Trang, Vietnam. Extending your trip beyond the cruise is a terrific choice for anyone looking to further their exploration of China because there are so many fascinating experiences in store. Take a beautiful train ride to Beijing and arrive to be in awe of the Great Wall, one of history’s most impressive structures. Explore the magnificent Terracotta Army in Xi’an, where history comes to life right before your eyes. Adding a few days to explore China after one’s cruise promises to be an unforgettable extension of the journey, weaving together diverse landscapes, cultures, and experiences into a truly remarkable adventure. From the serene beauty of the West Lake in Hangzhou to the imperial grandeur of the Forbidden City in Beijing. Onboard Anthem of the Seas, a brand-new adventure awaits. New memories will be made when the Anthem of the Seas sails through Asia for the first time in November 2024, arriving in Singapore. Anthem will transport passengers to a number of Southeast Asian locations while including several of Royal Caribbean’s hallmark favorites and the brand-new, Olivier Award-winning musical We Will Rock You. Don’t miss the sailings to popular locations like Penang in Malaysia and Phuket in Thailand on January 27 and February 4, 2025! Source- Travel daily

With 30 days left until the Asian Games, international card networks like Visa, Mastercard, JCB, and Discover® Global Network are launching a significant campaign with Alipay, China’s top digital payment and lifestyle service platform, to improve the mobile payment and travel experiences of foreign visitors. When making purchases with their Alipay account linked to a Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Discover®, or Diners Club International® international card at Chinese mainland merchants within the vast Alipay merchant network during the Asian Games, foreign visitors can take advantage of the campaign, which will run from September 15 to October 31, 2023. In order to improve its payment service for overseas travelers, Alipay has partnered with international card networks since 2022. After downloading the Alipay app, foreign visitors can register and link a Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Discover, or Diners Club credit or debit card to pay at any of the tens of millions of Alipay partner merchant locations throughout China, including eateries, cafes, tourist attractions, shopping centers, street vendors, and public transportation. The Alipay app has recently enhanced travel services for visitors from outside China. “Visa is glad to work with Alipay to provide in-bound international travelers with convenient and seamless mobile payment experiences, as the international tourism market continues to recover,” said Shirley Yu, Group General Manager at Visa Greater China. Visa is dedicated to facilitating the acceleration of the global travel recovery, which entails increased tourism-related spending in regional economies and more cross-border and international human interactions via travel. “Mastercard affirms its commitment to the China market, as well as to its mission of powering economies and empowering people, through its continued partnership with Alipay,” said Dennis Chang, Executive Vice President and Division President, Greater China, of Mastercard. Mastercard is excited to collaborate with its partners to offer improved digital payment solutions that answer the changing needs of foreign travelers and allow cardholders globally to pay like a local, ensuring peace of mind during their journey, while travel and tourism are on the upswing. The most recent Mastercard data insights indicate that consumer spending has held steady, with a sustained emphasis on experiences and travel. Globally, cross-border travel was strong during the second quarter of 2023, reaching 154% of 2019 levels, an increase of 6% over the first quarter. The inbound cross-border travel market in China is also expanding at the same time. President of JCB International China, Osamu Hino, stated: “We are happy to cooperate with Alipay to offer JCB Card holders worldwide convenient, safe, and secure mobile payment services in the Chinese mainland. Together with Alipay, we will continue to strengthen payment technology and services, investigate more opportunities in the payment space, and provide customers with more flexible and convenient payment options in the wave of digitization. “We greatly improve shopping convenience and accessibility for our cherished cardholders from around the world by partnering with Alipay, the leading digital payment and services platform in China,” said Chris Winter, managing director of international markets for Asia Pacific at Discover Global Network. With the help of this collaboration, tourists can easily discover China’s wonders while also getting a taste of the vibrant local culture. They may buy, eat, and go on thrilling expeditions. We are committed to making sure that every second of our cardholders’ time in China is packed with enjoyable activities, convenient payment options, and special memories. In order to support the Asian Games, we are thrilled to collaborate with card networks, other organizations, and retailers. The project demonstrates our dedication to creating a digital financial inclusion ecosystem that improves consumers’ worldwide payment experiences and promotes the expansion of domestic and international trade, according to Peng Yang, President of Ant Group’s International Business Group. We anticipate enhancing this collaborative environment through new innovations in cross-border payments, the empowerment of SME owners, and sustainability initiatives.Source- Travel dailyLink- https://www.traveldailymedia.com/international-card-networks-partner-with-alipay-for-asian-games/