As a tourism provider in New Zealand, your goal is obviously to get more customers – and more importantly – get them to spend more when the are with you. While there are many ways to achieve this, value-added products or services and so on, there is nothing more important than how you get them to pay.
As a Kiwi tourism provider, no doubt you are always looking for simple ways to give your business an edge. When it comes to welcoming Chinese tourists, one of the biggest and most overlooked opportunities isn’t about what you offer, but how you let them pay.
The idea that Chinese tourists are big spenders who carry large amounts of cash is outdated. In fact, it’s the opposite. China has become a largely cashless society, with mobile and card payments being the standard for almost everything. If you have visited China in recent years, you will be well aware that it can be very difficult to get anyone to accept cash.
For a New Zealand business, this means that if you’re not set up for their preferred payment methods, you’re essentially putting up a ‘closed’ sign to a huge and valuable market. A market that is now the highest spending per day New Zealand tourism sector.
The New Way to Pay
For Chinese travellers, cash is inconvenient. They’re used to paying for everything, from a coffee to a hotel room, with their smartphones. The two major players are Alipay and WeChat Pay. These aren’t just payment apps; they’re central to daily life in China and for Chinese travelling in New Zealand. Ignore them at your peril. By offering them at your front desk, you’re not just accepting a payment; you’re providing a sense of comfort and familiarity that makes guests feel welcome.
Alongside these apps, UnionPay is a crucial card network. Many Chinese tourists will use their UnionPay debit or credit cards for larger transactions, and Alipay or WeChat Pay for the smaller everyday expenses. Having a payment terminal that accepts these cards is a fundamental step to capturing their business.
Why This Matters for Your Motel
Think about it from a guest’s perspective. After a long flight, they arrive at your motel. They’re tired and want to check in smoothly. If they must fumble with a currency exchange or worry about an overseas credit card fee, it creates friction. But if they can simply scan a QR code on their phone, the entire process becomes easy and familiar.
This ease of payment doesn’t just make check-in smoother. It encourages them to spend more on your other services. Perhaps they’ll be more likely to buy that instant noodle from the mini bar, book a local tour through your front desk, or add an extra night to their stay. Making it easy for them to pay removes a major barrier to spending.
How to Get Started
So, what should you do? Contact your current EFTPOS provider. Many New Zealand payment solution companies now offer simple, integrated systems to accept Alipay and WeChat Pay without needing extra hardware. They can set you up to display a QR code on your existing payment terminal, which the guest can scan directly from their phone.
In a world where competition is fierce, giving Chinese tourists a modern, familiar, and seamless way to pay is one of the smartest investments you can make. It’s a simple change that shows you understand and value their business, and it will give you a significant advantage in attracting this important and growing market.
