Technology provider Amadeus has announced an agreement with the world’s biggest payment card scheme, offering UnionPay as an online payment method through the Amadeus Payment Platform.
The agreement gives travel agents, airlines and OTAs access to the huge Chinese market.
There are thought to be 4.3 billion UnionPay card accounts in circulation, which are compatible with every main Chinese consumer bank.
Over the last year, UnionPay handled almost 80% of all payments made by outbound Chinese tourists.
The deal follows a similar agreement with Alipay late last month.
"We can help our customers target new segments and integrate the process of payment with this new method in the selling process, which makes it faster and more efficient," said Celia Pereiro, head of Amadeus Travel Payments.
"Our customers will have a shortcut to the Asian giant by offering millions of potential Chinese travelers the option to pay with their preferred payment methods, Pereiro added.
