International travellers increasingly expect mobile platforms to manage everything from trip discovery and bookings to payments and local activities. However, fragmented payment acceptance, security fears and privacy concerns continue to restrict this digital travel revolution.
These findings emerge from research by Alipay+ and S&P Global involving 6,000 consumers across nine markets in Asia, Europe and the United States. The results show that digital convenience now shapes how visitors choose services, spend money and navigate foreign destinations.
Mobile payments have become the preferred option for many everyday purchases abroad. According to the research, 63% of consumers use mobile payments for most transactions while travelling.
Nevertheless, travellers still face uncertainty. Around 53% said they were unsure whether merchants would accept their preferred payment method. Meanwhile, 54% reported difficulty accessing the payment options they normally use.
Consequently, one in four travellers continues to carry cash as a backup. This behaviour highlights the gap between rising expectations and the uneven availability of interoperable payment systems across destinations.
Local experiences capture more spending
The research also identifies a shift from conventional retail spending towards experience-led tourism. Food and beverage services recorded the strongest increase, with 67% of consumers spending more on restaurants, cafés and local dining.
Local attractions followed closely, with 66% reporting higher expenditure on activities. More than half also said they were spending more at independent shops and local businesses than at shopping centres or international restaurant chains.
This change creates significant opportunities for community-based tourism. However, smaller businesses may lose potential revenue if they cannot accept the mobile wallets preferred by international visitors.
Wider digital-payment acceptance could direct more tourism income towards independent restaurants, guides, attractions and retailers. It could also make secondary destinations more accessible to visitors who increasingly expect the same payment convenience available in major cities.
Travellers want complete mobile ecosystems
Consumers no longer see wallets as tools used only at checkout. They increasingly want one mobile environment that connects planning, reservations, transport, activities, payments and rewards.
Restaurant reservations and payments were the most requested additional service, attracting interest from 61% of respondents. Integrated travel bookings followed at 58%, while 57% wanted attraction tickets and passes.
Local transport booking also emerged as a priority, with 54% seeking easier access through mobile platforms. These preferences suggest that digital wallets could become central travel companions instead of remaining standalone financial products.
Payment habits still vary by market. Travellers from China, Malaysia and Thailand show stronger preferences for QR-based transactions. Consumers from the United States, United Kingdom and Germany are more likely to favour NFC-enabled, card-linked wallets.
Traditional cards also remain important for advance purchases, particularly flights and accommodation. Mobile payments are stronger during the journey, especially for dining, shopping and attractions.
Security remains the biggest barrier
Convenience alone will not secure wider adoption. The survey found that 62% of consumers worry about transaction security when using mobile payments overseas.
Exchange rates and extra fees concerned 56% of respondents. The same proportion expressed uncertainty about unfamiliar payment-terminal procedures.
These issues can influence where travellers shop and how much they spend. Visitors may abandon purchases when charges are unclear or a payment process appears unfamiliar.
Platforms and merchants will therefore need to provide transparent conversion rates, visible fees and simple instructions. Strong fraud protection and accessible customer support will also be essential for building confidence.
Demand among non-users nevertheless remains promising. Nearly half said they were very likely to use digital payments on future journeys, while another 51% described themselves as somewhat likely adopters.
AI gains influence but not full control
Artificial intelligence is also moving deeper into the travel journey. The research found that 81.3% of consumers already use AI-powered tools for travel exploration and planning.
Around 73.2% would consider using AI for hotel or flight reservations within the next year. Interest rises further for supportive functions: 87.7% value AI-assisted booking and rebooking, 86.9% support help with payments and refunds, and 84.6% welcome real-time guidance.
However, only 26% want AI to move closer to autonomous decisions and payments. Travellers appear comfortable receiving help but remain cautious about surrendering financial control.
Privacy worries affect 43% of consumers. The same share prefers to manage travel decisions independently, while 32% still favours human guidance.
Interoperability will define future travel commerce
Alipay+ connects a potential market of two billion users through 50 digital payment partners and more than 10 national QR schemes. Its network supports QR and NFC payments across more than 220 destination markets.
The company is also developing tools including its Agentic Mobile Protocol, Super App Engine, GenAI Cockpit and Voyager AI travel companion. These services aim to connect wallets with flights, hotels, attractions, transport and shopping recommendations.
The survey indicates that international travel commerce is moving towards integrated digital ecosystems. Yet success will depend on interoperability, security and user choice.
Travellers want technology that removes friction without taking away control. Destinations and businesses that deliver trusted, widely accepted payment experiences could capture more visitor spending while creating smoother journeys across borders.
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