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France embraces UnionPay cards to attract more Chinese tourists

2016-08-25 20:45 2521

PARIS, Aug. 25, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- By August 25, France has received over 2,000 Chinese business travelers, who are believed to have purchasing power of millions of euros. Hit by a "cold wave", the French tourism is now taking measures to attract more foreign tourists. As one of the key measures, many merchants in France take the acceptance of UnionPay cards now. Data show that UnionPay cards are accepted at 60% of ATMs and over 100,000 merchants across France.

France was the world's No.1 tourist destination in 2015, but foreign tourists visiting the country in the first half of this year decreased by 7%, and the Chinese and American tourists visiting the Paris Region slumped by 19.6% and 5.7% respectively, according to the latest data issued by the French government.

Now, Paris is investing heavily to reconstruct its image to attract tourists. The "Chinese tourists' favorite global destinations (Top 100)" issued by China National Tourism Administration this May shows that, Paris ranks No.6 among all destinations. Obviously, to many Chinese people, France and many other western European countries are still their favored destinations.

This time, two China-based companies organized sightseeing, conferences and team-building in France. These large business travel groups have strong purchasing power and can substantially boost consumption in the destination.

"With more merchants in Europe accepting UnionPay and some renowned duty free shops and restaurants offer exclusive discounts for UnionPay cards, an increasing number of business travelers like to pay with UnionPay here, and they spend quite a lot," Ms. Yang, an experienced local guide said.

It is particularly convenient to pay with UnionPay cards at shopping malls, watch stores, duty-free shops, restaurants and hotels. The UnionPay logo is easily seen in places most frequented by tourists, like Avenue des Champs-Elysées and Place Vendôme. Printemps and Galeries Lafayette have Chinese-speaking employees, and many shops display the UnionPay logo.

Ms. Yang also recommends Chinese tourists to use the self-service tax refund machines in Printemps. "Consumers may select 'UnionPay Card' for the tax refund, scan their shopping receipts, and insert their UnionPay cards. The machine will automatically print out tax refund forms. It's easy and convenient."

Now, Printemps is providing exclusive privileges for independent travelers who have shopped and claimed for tax refund with UnionPay cards.


Source: UnionPay International
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