Major Toronto Attractions Now Accepting Alipay and WeChat Pay

TORONTO (Mar 8, 2018) — Two of Toronto’s biggest attractions are now accepting two of China’s biggest mobile payment options courtesy of a strategic partnership made between Tourism Toronto and OTT Pay Inc., part of the OTT Group of Companies. OTT has worked together with Tourism Toronto to set up the mobile payment infrastructure, making it the first partnership of its kind in Canada. And because of this partnership, WeChat Pay and Alipay are now being accepted at the CN Tower and Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada. The addition of WeChat Pay and Alipay mean both attractions can accept payment in Chinese RMB converted to Canadian dollars through their respective apps.

“We are very excited to be working with Toronto Tourism. Toronto is such a welcoming city for Chinese immigrants, travelers and students it’s only natural for it to be at the forefront of bringing the WeChat Pay platform to Canada,” said Kevin Zhang, President and CEO of OTT Financial Group. “Through our partnership with Toronto Tourism OTT will help Toronto increase its engagement and commerce with Chinese travelers by helping promote its brand, attractions and services the great city has to offer.”

Chinese consumers are increasingly using mobile payments options as their preferred method of payment for goods and services. Together, WeChat Pay and Alipay have more than 1.3 billion active users. The apps launched in Canada last spring.

“2018 has been declared the Canada-China Year of Tourism. This is a time to focus on how easy it is for Chinese travelers to visit Toronto and experience the region in a way that’s both exciting and convenient,” said Johanne Bélanger, President and CEO of Tourism Toronto. “That sense of welcome Toronto is known for extends to welcoming the payment options that many Chinese visitors are comfortable using.”

2018: The Year of Canadian-Chinese Tourism

Both the Government of Canada and the Government of China announced 2018 as the Year of Canada- China Tourism. The celebrations officially kick off with an opening ceremonies hosted by the China National Tourism Administration on March 21 in Toronto.

Recognizing the growing Chinese market, Tourism Toronto partnered with OTT Pay Inc. to introduce the Chinese mobile payment service WeChat Pay and Alipay to Toronto businesses to boost travel and shopping consumption by Chinese travelers.

China has been Toronto’s largest overseas market since 2014 with 319,000 visitors coming to the region last year. Over the past five years, visits from China have increased more than 100 per cent. Visitors from China spent $304 million in 2017 – an increase of 147 per cent over five years.

A growing list of businesses are now accepting Chinese mobile payment option including Oxford Properties (Yorkdale, Scarborough Town Centre and Square One) and recently announced Cadillac Fairview properties (CF Toronto Eaton Centre and CF Sherway Gardens) – another step to make the Toronto region “China-ready.”

Quotes

“Now local guests and those visiting from China can use WeChat Pay and Alipay to take in breathtaking views, book an EdgeWalk or dine with us at the 360 Restaurant at the top of the CN Tower. Each year, more than 1.9 million people visit the CN Tower and with WeChat Pay and Alipay, we can welcome even more.”- Neil Jones Chief Operating Officer CN Tower

“Ripley’s Aquarium was one of the first attractions in Toronto to implement WeChat Pay and Alipay. As a company we find it important to adopt the latest technologies especially systems that make it easier for guests to visit. Since launching WeChat Pay and Alipay we have seen more and more Chinese visitors visiting and choosing mobile payment apps.”- Peter Doyle General Manager Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada

“Tourism is a key economic driver in Ontario, supporting nearly 400,000 jobs and generating over $32 billion of economic activity. It’s excellent to hear that this province’s attractions are drawing in visitors from China and across the globe. We know that Ontario is a preferred destination for tourists from China and it’s important that we make it convenient for visitors to pay in their currency of choice. China and Ontario have long enjoyed a strong relationship, and our government continues to work with our tourism partners to embrace opportunities that support growth in the industry.”- The Honourable Daiene Vernile Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport

“This new arrangement between WeChat Pay, Alipay, and the CN Tower and Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada brings Ontario retailers and Chinese visitors to Canada together through technology. More importantly, it positions Ontario as a premier destination for Chinese tourists – one that boasts greater convenience and accessibility for them.”- The Honourable Michael Chan Minister of International Trade

About Tourism Toronto

Tourism Toronto is the official destination marketing organization for the region, “Canada’s Downtown” – encompassing Toronto, Mississauga and Brampton. With sales and marketing programs in key markets around the world, Tourism Toronto promotes the Toronto region as a remarkable destination for tourists, convention delegates and business travelers. Tourism Toronto operates in partnership with the Greater Toronto Hotel Association and the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport. For more information please visit DestinationToronto.com.

About OTT Pay

OTT Pay is a global fintech payment processor company that is redefining the payment industry through the delivery of Alternative Payment Methods that embrace the diversity of our changing culture. As an official payment service and marketing partner of WeChat and Alipay, OTT Pay is a leading platform that seamlessly connects Canadian merchants to Chinese consumers. OTT Pay has partnered with Tourism Toronto and Tourism Montreal to promote Canada-China trade and tourism. OTT Pay Inc. is a member of the OTT Group of Companies, a diversified financial services group that has been delivering trusted financial services to the Chinese-Canadian community since 2006. The Group provides services in securities distribution, investment brokerage, asset management, and foreign exchange. For more information about OTT Pay, please visit www.ottpay.com