记者述评：中国科技赋能跨境游 助力游客体验全面升级

Core Insights - The article highlights the increasing significance of WeChat Pay and WeChat Mini Programs in enhancing the travel experience for both Chinese tourists abroad and foreign visitors in China, particularly in the UK [2][3][4] Group 1: WeChat's Impact on Cross-Border Tourism - WeChat consumption transactions by overseas users increased by 34% during the summer of 2023 compared to the previous year, indicating a resurgence in cross-border travel [2] - The top five spending categories for tourists in China were dining, transportation, retail, tourism, and fashion, reflecting the growing interest in Chinese tourism [2] - WeChat Mini Programs have expanded to cover 92 countries and regions, spanning 103 sub-industries, showcasing their global commercial potential [4] Group 2: Technological Empowerment in Tourism - The Chinese tourism office in London emphasized the importance of technology in providing a convenient consumption environment for tourists, addressing payment limitations faced by both Chinese tourists abroad and foreign visitors in China [3] - The integration of WeChat Mini Programs in UK museums and popular tourist spots has improved the efficiency and experience of Chinese tourists, allowing for services like Chinese language guides and ticket purchases [3][4] - The number of overseas WeChat Mini Programs with monthly transaction volumes exceeding 10 million increased by 100% year-on-year in the first half of 2025, indicating rapid commercialization in global tourism [4] Group 3: Business Opportunities for UK Merchants - WeChat Mini Programs are becoming a key tool for UK businesses to tap into the Chinese market, lowering the digital entry barrier for small businesses [4] - UK merchants are increasingly adopting WeChat Pay to facilitate seamless transactions for Chinese tourists, enhancing their shopping experience [4] - The chairman of the British 48 Group expressed optimism about the WeChat ecosystem, noting that it allows small businesses to gain global consumer attention without complex system development [4]