Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism has announced collaboration with UnionPay International (UPI) to enhance the accessibility of the region for Chinese tourists.

UPI is a subsidiary of China UnionPay which is in partnership with more than 1800 institutions worldwide, enabling card acceptance at these institutions and card issuance in 48 countries and regions. Outside of mainland China, UnionPay cards are accepted at more than 23 million merchants and 1.64 million ATMs.

Due to this extensive network of institutions, UPI cards have become the preferred method of payment for Chinese travellers.

Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism CEO, Mandlakazi Skefile said: “This collaboration will enhance the accessibility of Nelson Mandela Bay to Chinese visitors. China has become one of South Africa’s core tourism markets, with visitor numbers growing by a remarkable 38% in 2016.”

Additionally, around 100m UPI cards were issued to users outside mainland China in 2017. This partnership could therefore open Nelson Mandela Bay up to a number of other markets.

The two organisations will sign a memorandum of understanding to promote the acceptance of UPI cards to Nelson Mandela Bay merchants and provide more convenient services to UPI cardholders when visiting the region. To this end, Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism will engage with local products and service providers to encourage the development of deals and packages for UPI cardholders.