China’s Largest Mobile Payment Service WeChat Pay Launches in Toronto

Today, Tourism Toronto and OTT Financial Group announced a new strategic partnership that brings China’s largest mobile payment service, WeChat Pay, to Toronto.

WeChat is China’s largest mobile messenger with a total of 840 million active users. This large user base can now use WeChat Pay to book their trips and buy products in Toronto. The partnership is the first of its kind in Canada.

OTT is working with Tourism Toronto to set up the mobile payment infrastructure. In a statement, President and CEO of Tourism Toronto Johanne Belanger said:

“We are thrilled to partner with OTT to introduce the Chinese mobile payment service WeChat Pay to Canada. Our partnership will allow us to strengthen our role as a global leader in innovation among the Chinese market.”

Most overseas tourists coming to Toronto are from China, and the tourism rate has almost tripled since 2010. More than 300,000 visitors came to Toronto from China in 2016 and spent an estimated $275 million in the country.

In a statement, President and CEO of OTT Financial Kevin Zhang said:

“We are very excited to be working with Toronto Tourism. Toronto is such a welcoming city for Chinese immigrants, travelers and students it’s only natural for it to be at the forefront of bringing the WeChat Pay platform to Canada. Through our partnership with Toronto Tourism OTT will help Toronto increase its engagement and commerce with Chinese travelers by helping promote its brand, attractions, and services the great city has to offer.”

In a statement, Ontario’s Minister of International Trade Hon Michael Chan said:

“Through this agreement, Chinese tourists, while visiting Ontario, will be able to pay for products and services directly in Renminbi from their WeChat Pay app on their mobile phones. Congratulations to both OTT Pay and Tourism Toronto on finding innovative and efficient ways to position Ontario as a destination of choice for tourists from China.”

The announcement of WeChat Pay in Toronto is definitely a big deal for both the city and tourists. What do you think of today’s announcement? Let us know in the comments below.

P.S. - Like our news? Support the site with a coffee/beer. Or shop with our Amazon link. We use affiliate links when possible--thank you for supporting independent media.