To advance digital payments and elevate Nepal’s tourism sector, Nepal Clearing House Limited (NCHL), the national payment system operator, and Ant International, a global leader in digital payment and financial technology, jointly hosted the high-profile event titled “Gateway to Growth: Powering Nepal’s Tourism with Alipay+ & NEPALPAY.” Held in the capital, the event brought together industry leaders, financial regulators, and tourism stakeholders to discuss and promote the transformative role of international digital payments in enhancing Nepal’s global tourism appeal.
A Confluence of Policy Makers and Industry Experts
The event witnessed the participation of several eminent figures from Nepal’s financial and tourism sectors. Dignitaries such as Mr. Kiran Pandit, Executive Director of Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB), Mr. Subash Chandra Ghimire, Director at NRB, Mr. Anil Sharma, CEO of the Nepal Bankers Association, Mr. Kumar Mani Thapaliya, President of Nepal Association of Travel & Tour Agencies (NATTA), Mr. Tek Bahadur Mahat, CEO of Hotel Association Nepal (HAN), Mr. Santosh Panta, Director at Nepal Tourism Board, and Mr. Sittipong Kittiprapapong, Country Manager of Alipay+ for Thailand, South Asia and Indochina, joined Mr. Neelesh Man Singh Pradhan, CEO of NCHL, in acknowledging the power of digitalization in transforming travel and hospitality experiences.
Strengthening Cross-Border Digital Payment Infrastructure
This strategic collaboration between NCHL and Ant International comes at a time when cross-border digital payments are increasingly becoming the backbone of tourism-driven economies. Building on the November 2024 launch of the cross-border payment initiative between NEPALPAY QR and Alipay+, tourists from across Asia and Europe can now use their familiar domestic mobile wallets to make payments at over 1.2 million merchants across Nepal. This includes widespread coverage at hotels, restaurants, retail outlets, and tourism services.
The service integrates 17+ international wallets such as Alipay (Mainland China), AlipayHK (Hong Kong), Mpay (Macao), Touch ‘n Go eWallet and MyPB (Malaysia), GCash (Philippines), TrueMoney (Thailand), Toss Pay and Naver Pay (South Korea), Hipay (Mongolia), and several others from Europe including Tinaba (Italy) and Bluecode (Germany and Austria). This interoperability not only simplifies spending for foreign visitors but also drives business growth for Nepalese merchants by opening the door to over 1.7 billion global users.
Digital Economy Meets Tourism Development
The highlight of the event was a panel discussion moderated by Mr. Sanjib Subba, where industry leaders deliberated on the growing importance of digital infrastructure in modern tourism. Mr. Subash Chandra Ghimire from NRB emphasized that secure and easy cross-border payments are essential to attract tourists who are increasingly reliant on digital wallets. Echoing this, Mr. Anil Sharma from the Nepal Bankers Association pointed out how such innovations are catalysts for financial inclusion and digitization.
Mr. Santosh Panta from the Nepal Tourism Board noted that tourists value seamless and contactless experiences, which are now made possible through platforms like NEPALPAY QR and Alipay+. He added that Nepal must embrace such forward-thinking systems to remain competitive as a destination of choice. Mr. Neelesh Man Singh Pradhan, CEO of NCHL, remarked that the initiative is a pioneering leap that connects Nepal’s retail economy with a global digital ecosystem, thus supporting sustainable tourism growth.
Strategic Vision from the Global Front
Mr. Sittipong Kittiprapapong from Ant International described the collaboration as more than just a payment solution. He emphasized its wider impact on Nepal’s digital transformation. “This is about inclusive growth for local merchants and helping bring global consumers closer to the rich experiences Nepal has to offer,” he said. “We’re proud to work with NCHL in enhancing Nepal’s financial infrastructure and enabling it to become a digitally ready tourism hub.”
Regulatory Support for a Digital Leap
From a policy standpoint, Nepal Rastra Bank sees this as a significant milestone in the journey toward becoming a digitally empowered economy. Mr. Kiran Pandit, Executive Director of NRB, noted that cross-border payment enablement is a strategic development, not merely a technical one. He emphasized that QR-based payment usage has grown substantially in Nepal and that this collaboration aligns with the central bank’s vision to foster a digital-first, traveler-friendly environment.
Support from Tourism Associations
The tourism industry has welcomed this initiative with optimism. Mr. Tek Bahadur Mahat, CEO of Hotel Association Nepal, stated that Alipay+ and NEPALPAY QR’s integration will directly contribute to revenue growth and operational efficiency in the hotel sector. He stressed that HAN will play an active role in encouraging its members to adopt digital payment systems and create a seamless experience for international visitors.
Similarly, Mr. Kumar Mani Thapaliya, President of NATTA, stated that this cross-border initiative helps position Nepal as a digitally capable and secure travel destination. “Tourists can now feel like they’re spending at home,” he said. “NATTA will assist in promoting this initiative at global fairs and training travel agencies to support digital transitions.”
Looking Forward: Sustaining the Momentum
As cross-border payments gain traction in Nepal, NCHL and Ant International have expressed their commitment to further innovation. Their collaboration will continue to leverage the strength of Nepal’s growing fintech ecosystem and enhance connectivity with international payment platforms. By doing so, Nepal is poised to strengthen its position as a smart destination where convenience, culture, and commerce converge.
About the Organizers
Nepal Clearing House Limited (NCHL), promoted by Nepal Rastra Bank and several banks and financial institutions, operates the core digital payment infrastructure of Nepal. With platforms like connectIPS, CORPORATEPAY, and NEPALPAY QR, NCHL has been pivotal in implementing the country’s national payment systems.
NEPALPAY QR, under the National Payment Switch framework, supports QR interoperability across more than 1.2 million merchants via 40+ mobile banking apps, 11 wallet services, and connectIPS.
Ant International, based in Singapore, is a global fintech provider focused on inclusive digital growth. Its flagship platform Alipay+ connects international e-wallet users with businesses around the world, making digital travel experiences more accessible, efficient, and rewarding. As this strategic initiative unfolds, Nepal is making a bold stride in harmonizing tourism with technology, turning ambition into action and vision into value for travelers and businesses alike.
