Tencent and Alibaba are ramping up their efforts in the overseas travel market, and the backend systems of mini programs are being connected with TONGCHENGTRAVELHopeGoo.

With the intensification of the final stage of the tourism market competition, the 144-hour transit visa-free policy is undoubtedly a catalyst. Faced with a huge blue ocean, Tencent and Alibaba have joined the competition for the overseas market. In preparation for the upcoming traditional Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holiday, Tencent and Alibaba's international versions have already increased their efforts in the overseas travel market. WeChatHK and AlipayHK mini programs have both connected to the TONGCHENGTRAVEL international travel platform HopeGoo, meeting the needs of overseas tourists and tourists from Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan to book flights, hotels, and purchase tickets for attractions. According to reports, the integration of WeChat and AlipayHK mini programs with TONGCHENGTRAVEL's HopeGoo platform is based on the platform's current coverage of six major areas including flights, hotels, train tickets, tickets, boat tickets, and local entertainment, as well as its support for 16 global currencies and multiple operating languages, leveraging the overseas market "cake". According to TONGCHENGTRAVEL's second quarter 2024 financial report, the daily ticket volume for international flights reached a new high, with a year-on-year growth of over 160%, and international hotel room nights grew by nearly 140%. TONGCHENGTRAVEL's HopeGoo spokesperson stated that overseas tourists can click on the flight and hotel options in the WeChat HK mini program service menu and make bookings and purchases through HopeGoo. In addition to booking flights, hotels, and train tickets, the AlipayHK mini program also offers the option to purchase tickets for attractions, greatly enhancing the convenience for overseas tourists traveling in China. Industry experts believe that with the implementation of the new round of opening policies, the Chinese cross-border travel market is showing strong signs of recovery. In the first half of this year, the number of foreign tourists entering China increased by more than four times, demonstrating tremendous market potential. Behind this is a trillion-dollar consumer market, with cross-border travel services related to accommodation, transportation, travel, and entertainment consumption scenes, which serve as important "gateways" to access this trillion-dollar market. On the other hand, outbound travel is also an important breakthrough for domestic leading internet companies seeking a "second growth curve", with diversification of scenes being a key strategy. Cross-border travel and tourism markets are associated with a range of online and offline consumption scenes, and naturally become a "high ground" for giants to compete over.