Nippon Telegraph and Telephone East Corporation (NTT East) launched a new payment service in April 2024. This service allows shareholders of ANA Holdings and members of the Trip.com Group to use their accumulated points for payments. The payment solution is accepted at various souvenir shops and other facilities located in hot spring areas and tourist destinations throughout Japan.
The initiative by NTT East aims to address significant challenges impacting local tourism, such as staffing shortages at tourist facilities and the decline in business performance, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic. By providing a unified smartphone payment solution, NTT East seeks to streamline transactions for both merchants and consumers.
The system is designed to integrate various point programs and handle different currencies, making it accessible and convenient for both domestic Japanese travelers and international visitors. This approach supports the digital transformation (DX) efforts of small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) in the tourism sector by simplifying complex payment and point management processes.
A core objective of this service is to revitalize local economies across Japan. By encouraging the use of points, the service intends to attract more tourists, stimulate consumption, and ultimately improve the financial health of local establishments. The Oirase Stream area in Aomori Prefecture is highlighted as an example of a tourist location where this payment service has been implemented. This strategic collaboration, including partners like ANA Holdings and Trip.com Group, is focused on enhancing the travel experience while fostering sustainable growth in Japan’s regional tourism sector.
Key Points
* Service launched: April 2024
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