The UK travel and tourism sector is bouncing back stronger than ever. With a surge in inbound tourism, particularly from Asia, travel businesses are seeing renewed growth and fresh opportunities. However, in an increasingly global and digital marketplace, traditional payment systems often fall short. That’s where GlobePay steps in—offering tailored, secure, and seamless payment solutions for the modern traveller.
Travel Trends Shaping 2025
The UK is once again a top destination for international visitors. Key trends include:
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Growth of Asian Tourism: Chinese, South Korean, and Southeast Asian travellers are returning in large numbers thanks to relaxed visa rules and more direct flights.
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Experience-Led Travel: Tourists are seeking unique cultural, educational, and retail experiences—spending more on immersive travel.
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Digital Expectations: International tourists expect fast, mobile-friendly, and familiar payment methods wherever they go.
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Student and Family Travel: Education-related tourism and multi-generational trips are fueling longer stays and higher per-visit spending.
These trends present both a challenge and an opportunity for UK-based travel companies, hotels, tour operators, and retailers.
Why Localised Payment Options Matter
Asian travellers, especially from China, prefer using digital wallets like Alipay, WeChat Pay, and UnionPay over international cards. Businesses that don’t offer these options risk losing sales and trust.
GlobePay bridges that gap. By integrating Asia’s leading payment methods into your checkout systems—online or in-store—you create a frictionless, familiar experience that drives bookings and boosts conversions.
How GlobePay Supports the UK Travel Sector
Whether you run a hotel, travel agency, cultural attraction, or retail outlet in a tourist hotspot, GlobePay helps you:
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💳 Accept Alipay+, UnionPay, and WeChat Pay — popular with Asian tourists
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🌍 Offer real-time currency conversion — so travellers can pay in their home currency
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📱 Enable mobile and QR payments — ideal for on-the-go transactions
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🔐 Ensure secure, compliant transactions — with fraud prevention and data protection
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📈 Access detailed reporting and analytics — to track trends and optimise marketing
Use Case: Making Travel Easy for Chinese Visitors
Imagine a group of Chinese students visiting the UK during their Easter break. They book tours, shop for gifts, and dine out. Businesses that offer Alipay or UnionPay make it easy for them to spend—without worrying about exchange rates, cash, or language barriers. With GlobePay, you’re not just offering a payment method—you’re offering comfort, familiarity, and trust.
A Seamless Experience from Booking to Checkout
GlobePay integrates easily with:
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Hotel booking platforms
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Online travel agencies (OTAs)
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POS systems for attractions, restaurants, and shops
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Airport services and duty-free retailers
No technical team? No problem. We offer full support, from onboarding to settlement.
Grow Your Business with Smarter Payments
In 2025, travel isn’t just about destinations—it’s about experiences. And payment is a key part of that experience. With GlobePay, UK travel businesses can meet the needs of international visitors, increase revenue, and stand out in a competitive market.
Ready to make your business travel-ready?
Contact GlobePay today to discover how we simplify cross-border payments and help you serve global customers with confidence.
