Tourism Authority of Thailand Leverage Alipay+ AI Solutions to Accelerate Digital Travel Transformation for Thailand

SINGAPORE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 15, 2026--

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Beijing Office and Alipay+, the unified wallet gateway of Ant International, launched a new campaign to enhance the digital travel experience via AI-generated themes and further collaborations to integrate AI across the travel journey in Thailand.

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Based on outbound travel behaviors from the first quarter of 2026, the campaign leverages AI-driven data analytics to interpret cross-border traveler behavior and integrates official tourism resource data from Thailand, creating four themed rankings for global travelers — “Thai Haokan” ( Beautiful Sights) , “Thai Haochi” ( Delicious Eats ), “Thai Haowan” ( Exciting Activities ), and “Thai Haozhu” ( Cozy Stays ) — thus establishing a new paradigm for destination marketing empowered by digital technology.

Through Alipay+ Voyager, an in-app AI travel agent, TAT can then offer travellers personalised experiences based on the four rankings. The campaign will roll out first for Chinese travellers through Alipay, an Alipay+ e-wallet partner.

Data Intelligence Reshapes Travel Decision‑Making

A growing number of travelers are embracing AI as a trusted tool for travel planning and booking. The top five most frequently asked questions by users are: “transportation guides”, “featured attractions”, “local cuisine”, “local experiences”, and “accommodation”.

Leveraging the unique wallet payment ecosystem of Alipay+ with data and support from the TAT, the campaign aims to:

For example, via Alipay+ Voyager, travellers can directly book ride-hailing rides directly within their home e-wallet, without the need to download an additional app, while a growing number are asking the Voyager AI agent about location-based recommendations such as “food and activities near my hotel”.

The AI‑powered real‑time recommendation model marks the arrival of Smart Tourism 3.0, which the TAT is driving with partners like Alipay+ to enable each traveller to have a personalised and tailored experience in Thailand.

AI Creates Seamless Experiences, Driving Growth for Local Tourism Sector

Ms. Yolrawee Sittichai, Director of the Tourism Authority Of Thailand Beijing Office spoke highly of this collaboration. She stated that the launch of Thailand’s AI-powered travel themed list in partnership with Alipay+ Voyager marks a significant milestone in leveraging digital technology to advance Thailand’s tourism development.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand has always prioritised the safety and security of Chinese tourists. As part of this collaboration, we have specifically integrated authoritative safety guidelines and a full-spectrum emergency contact system into the AI assistant service ecosystem, ensuring Chinese tourists enjoy a worry-free travel experience throughout their stay in Thailand. Through the AI assistant, tourists can easily access critical information including the Thailand Tourist Police Hotline 1155 (with Chinese language support), police emergency number 191, ambulance hotline 1669, consular protection hotlines of Chinese embassies and consulates in Thailand, and the Global Emergency Call Center for Consular Protection and Services of China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Moving forward, the Tourism Authority of Thailand will continue to deepen its partnership with Alipay+, continuously upgrading Thailand’s digital tourism services to let more visitors experience the unique charm of Amazing Thailand.

Ms. Scarlett Xing, General Manager of Alipay+ Travel Solutions at Ant International, said: "The Tourism Authority of Thailand has always been at the forefront of digital innovation and have been long time partners with Alipay+ across payments and other travel breakthroughs. Through Alipay+ Voyager, we're taking the next step in our collaboration, using our AI-powered solutions to drive a new chapter of discovery within Thailand, supporting the travel sector and bringing inclusive growth to more merchants. Together, we can showcase Thailand as the future of smart tourism, and we look forward to bring this experience to more partners globally."

The continued growth in transactions in the first quarter of 2026 across Thailand not only reflects Chinese travellers’ sustained enthusiasm for Thailand as a destination, but also how integrated digital travel ecosystems like Alipay+ Voyager – encompassing AI‑driven Q&A, one‑stop booking, and localised payment experiences – is effective in driving efficient conversion from traffic to consumption, delivering tangible commercial value to Thailand’s tourism industry.

Building a New Ecosystem for Future Travel

Following the successful implementation of the first‑quarter cooperation, Alipay+ and the Tourism Authority of Thailand have announced the launch of three strategic upgrade initiatives:

Looking ahead, Alipay+ and the Tourism Authority of Thailand will continue to deepen their collaboration, bringing global travelers smarter and more convenient possibilities for intelligent travel. Their goal is to make every departure easier and every journey more wonderful. Stay tuned for the latest platform promotions, unlock exclusive benefits for Thailand in advance, and enjoy a uniquely amazing holiday experience.

Theme Rankings Enhance Local Experiences

In the “ Thai Haokan ” cultural landmarks ranking, traditional attractions such as the Grand Palace and Sanctuary of Truth are featured alongside emerging hotspots like King Power Mahanakhon and Sathon Soi 12. The “ Thai Haochi ” food ranking, driven by user Q&A interactions, highlights popular local dishes in Thailand.

Notably, the “ Thai Haowan ” ranking focuses on authentic lifestyle experiences, precisely recommending unique offerings such as shooting ranges, Muay Thai, and rooftop bars – successfully capturing emerging travel trends.

On the payment experience front, Alipay+ partner merchants are widely available across Thailand – from airport duty‑free shops to 7‑Eleven stores, and from the Siam commercial district to Central shopping malls. Furthermore, through integration with Thailand’s PromptPay merchant QR codes, Chinese travellers can connect with millions of merchants nationwide, including small and medium‑sized local businesses, making it easier for travelers to immerse themselves in authentic Thai culture. The newly launched on‑site QR code ticket purchase service for Thailand allows visitors to scan, buy, and enter attractions instantly without advance booking – truly enabling an “arrive and enjoy” experience.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand will deepen its collaboration with Alipay+ Voyager AI travel agent to advance Thailand’s tourism development

NEW DELHI (AP) — India raised fuel prices by 3 rupees ($0.03) per liter Friday as the government moved to offset losses due to higher global oil prices.

In New Delhi, gasoline prices rose to 97.77 rupees ($1.17) a liter, while diesel climbed to 90.67 rupees ($1.09) a liter.

India imports about 90% of its oil and has been hit hard by rising energy prices and supply disruptions linked to the Iran war and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. It had until now avoided raising retail fuel prices despite sharp increases in energy costs, making it one of the last major economies to pass higher crude prices on to consumers.

The price increases came days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged Indians to adopt voluntary austerity measures.

Modi on Sunday called on people to work from home where possible, limit foreign travel and reduce purchases of gold. He described fuel conservation and saving foreign exchange as an act of “patriotism,” and encouraged greater use of public transportation, carpooling and lower fertilizer consumption.

Opposition leaders said Modi’s appeal came only after a key round of state elections had concluded, noting that fuel prices were kept unchanged during the campaign.

Earlier this week, India also raised import duties on gold and silver to 15% in an effort to curb demand for imports that drain foreign exchange reserves.

The Indian rupee has fallen to record lows in recent weeks as higher oil prices increased pressure on imports and foreign exchange reserves.

Meanwhile, India’s capital has become the first state to roll out austerity measures.

Authorities in New Delhi on Thursday announced fuel-saving measures, including mandatory work-from-home days for some government employees. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the 90-day campaign aims to reduce official fuel use and encourage people in the capital to rely more on public transportation instead of private vehicles.

Under the plan, employees whose work can be done remotely will work from home two days a week, while private companies are being encouraged to adopt similar measures voluntarily.

India has also accelerated ethanol blending in gasoline as part of its push to cut crude oil imports.

Most fuel stations across the country now sell gasoline blended with 20% ethanol, and the government has proposed expanding the use of fuels containing 85% — or even 100% — ethanol in compatible vehicles.

Energy experts said blending biofuel can help shield from global energy shocks but can lead to further stressing already depleting groundwater resources, encroach on land meant for food crops and impact older vehicles’ engines.

AP journalist Sibi Arasu in Bengaluru, India, contributed to this report.

A commuter monitors the meter as an attendant refuels his vehicle at a filling station in New Delhi, India, Friday, May 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Shonal Ganguly)

A commuter monitors the meter as an attendant refuels his scooter at a filling station in New Delhi, India, Friday, May 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Shonal Ganguly)