Central Pattana Plc (CPN) is collaborating with global partners WeChat Pay and LinkieBuy under the Xingyun Group to launch the digital platform WeChat Mini Program.
The collaboration aims to increase sales channels for Central's branded products in the Chinese market.
Nattakit Tangpoonsinthana, chief marketing officer for CPN, said foreign arrivals to Thailand last month exceeded 3 million, helping to generate more than 100 billion baht in income.
The top five source markets for arrivals were China (510,000), Malaysia (320,000), South Korea (220,000), Russia (220,000) and India (160,000), he said.
"CPN believes there is high potential to attract tourists to its 40 malls in every region nationwide, 15 of which are located near popular tourist destinations," said Mr Nattakit.
He said CPN's strategy is to build on online-to-offline travel experiences in all aspects.
"We are committed to creating mega magnets to attract tourists worldwide and help spur the country's economy throughout the year," said Mr Nattakit.
The WeChat Mini Program, an app platform layered on WeChat, allows customers to make transactions through the app instantly via WeChat Pay.
WeChat has 1.36 billion monthly active users, while WeChat Pay has roughly 1 billion monthly active users.
"Chinese shoppers can access Central Group's brands easily with an online-to-offline service on the WeChat Mini Program platform, where customers can make payments, receive discounts and enjoy special privileges via WeChat Pay before travelling to receive their purchased products in Thailand," Mr Nattakit said.
"We have also engaged with LinkieBuy, which specialises in social commerce to look after the platform backend.
"In addition, we have prepared various special promotions and privileges especially for our Chinese customers. In 2024, we plan to provide more services such as delivering products to our Chinese customers directly to their addresses in China."
In addition, CPN in association with Klook recently launched Klook Lounge, a comprehensive travel service area for travellers at CentralWorld, with the lounge service opening today.