Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, Macau, New Zealand, Malaysia, Mainland China: Visa Launches #TravelWithVisa Initiative to Boost Regional Tourism Across Asia Pacific - Travel And Tour World (2025)

Wednesday, April 23, 2025

Visa, a global leader in digital payments, has officially launched the #TravelWithVisa initiative in Hong Kong, marking the first phase of a regional program aimed at transforming the travel experience across Asia Pacific. This initiative seeks to elevate the tourism economy and enrich travelers’ journeys by fostering strategic collaborations with key industry partners such as airlines, banks, public transit operators, and major merchants.

Boosting Travel and Tourism in Asia Pacific

The #TravelWithVisa initiative is designed to build on the momentum of Asia Pacific’s remarkable tourism growth, which saw a 26% increase in cross-border trips in 2024—outpacing global growth by over double the rate. Visa’s collaboration with leading airlines, banks, and public transit operators aims to create seamless and convenient travel experiences for passengers traveling across major tourist destinations in the region.

Through partnerships with top airlines like Air New Zealand, All Nippon Airways (ANA), Ethiopian Airlines, EVA AIR, and Singapore Airlines, Visa will offer outbound travelers from Hong Kong and Macau exclusive flight experiences and premium benefits. In addition, the initiative will feature Visa travel card programs, which will introduce new offerings to enrich every traveler’s journey, facilitating a more connected and seamless travel experience.

The Role of Strategic Partnerships in Shaping Travel Experiences

Visa’s initiative leverages its extensive network of global partners to shape the future of tourism in Asia Pacific. Seven out of the ten fastest-growing travel destinations in the world, in terms of arrivals, were in Asia Pacific in 2024. Cities such as Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam topped global rankings. As part of the first phase of the #TravelWithVisa initiative, Visa’s strategic partnerships with major airlines and banks will drive the region’s tourism economy and enhance the quality of travel experiences.

In the next phase, Visa will introduce its innovative intercity smart mobility solutions, which will improve the door-to-door travel journey for tourists. These solutions, combined with exclusive merchant offers and access to major events, will further enhance the travel experience for Visa cardholders. The initiative’s core mission is to deliver seamless and secure payment solutions, providing a smooth and enjoyable travel experience that transforms how people explore the world.

Visa’s Commitment to Regional Tourism Growth

Stephen Karpin, Regional President for Asia Pacific at Visa, emphasized that travel is a powerful catalyst for fostering global connections, driving economic growth, and bridging cultures. The #TravelWithVisa initiative is designed to unlock growth opportunities in Asia Pacific by delivering exceptional value and improving the tourism experience for consumers. Visa’s robust payment solutions and strategic partnerships will play a critical role in achieving these objectives.

Shirley Yu, Group General Manager of Greater China at Visa, highlighted Hong Kong’s importance as one of Asia’s busiest aviation hubs. She noted that the city’s accessibility and its popularity as a destination make it an ideal launchpad for the #TravelWithVisa initiative. By tapping into Visa’s extensive network, strategic partnerships, and innovative payment solutions, Visa aims to unlock new opportunities for businesses across the region.

Visa’s Continued Support for Asia Pacific’s Tourism Industry

Visa has been committed to advancing the travel and tourism sector across Asia Pacific through various initiatives and sponsorships. Notable examples include Visa’s support of major global events such as the Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA Awards), and The FIFA World Cup™. These efforts have enriched travelers’ experiences while promoting cultural exchange.

Visa’s efforts also extend to urban commuting, with the launch of its contactless payment solution, Tap to Ride, for transit operators in major cities across Asia, including Mainland China, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, New Zealand, and the Maldives. This solution has enhanced the convenience of daily commutes and further integrates Visa’s services into the travel ecosystem.

Supporting Tourism Offices Across the Region

At the launch of the #TravelWithVisa initiative, Visa acknowledged the support of tourism offices across Asia Pacific, including the Japan National Tourism Organization, the Macao Government Tourism Office, the Singapore Tourism Board, and the Taiwan Visitors Association Hong Kong Office. These organizations have played a crucial role in supporting Visa’s vision and contributing to the region’s tourism ecosystem.

A Symbolic Launch: A Hot Air Balloon at K11 MUSEA

The unveiling of the #TravelWithVisa initiative was marked by a Visa-branded hot air balloon, symbolizing exploration and adventure. The balloon soared against the backdrop of Hong Kong’s iconic Victoria Harbour, a fitting representation of the initiative’s goals to transform travel experiences and connect people across Asia Pacific.

Visa’s Global Commitment to Digital Payments and Tourism

Visa continues to be a global leader in digital payments, offering innovative solutions for consumers, merchants, financial institutions, and government entities worldwide. With operations across more than 200 countries and territories, Visa remains committed to advancing the travel and tourism industry by enabling secure, reliable, and convenient payment solutions that help travelers explore the world with ease.

The #TravelWithVisa initiative reflects Visa’s continued dedication to driving the growth of the tourism industry in Asia Pacific, fostering stronger global connections, and promoting economic prosperity through travel. As Visa expands its network of strategic partnerships, it continues to shape the future of tourism in the region, helping create new opportunities for businesses and travelers alike.