The agreement will allow Centara properties to accept smartphone payments from Chinese tourists Centara Hotels and Resorts, Thailand's largest domestic hotel operator, has signed an agreement with TreePay Co. Ltd. a Thailand-based online payment solution provider, to develop a new payment system. The new system will allow Chinese tourists to use their smart phones to pay for accommodations and services at Centara properties.

The new services will begin with WeChat Pay, a commonly used payment app among Chinese consumers that allows users to link their bank accounts or debit cards with the app for easy payments.

Chinese tourists are an important market for Centara properties, a statement said. To enhance customer services for one of their largest markets, Centara chose to collaborate with TreePay, the statement further stated.

Commenting on the agreement, Centara’s CEO Thirayuth Chirathivat said this new move is in line with the company’s goal to double in size over the next five years. The agreement, he believes, will help achieve this goal by better serving their growing markets.

“Our strategies include opening new properties in China as well as attracting more Chinese to our hotels in Thailand and elsewhere. One way we do this is by improving our service infrastructure. Being able to accept mobile payments is an important component,”

Chirathivat added.

The TreePay solution will first be introduced at Centara’s hotels and resorts in Thailand within 2018, then rolled out to the company’s other properties, the statement said.

“We look forward to making our destinations more welcoming and convenient for our Chinese guests, and supporting the expansion of Chinese tourism in this region and the world.”

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