BML, Alipay+ and Visit Maldives Sign Strategic Partnership to Boost Tourism and Strengthen Digital Payment Ecosystem

Bank of Maldives (BML) has signed two landmark agreements with Alipay+ and Visit Maldives Corporation, marking a major step towards enhancing the nation’s digital payment landscape and promoting the Maldives as a premier global travel destination.

The agreements, signed in Malé, establish a tri-party collaboration between BML, Alipay+, and Visit Maldives to launch joint, co-branded tourism campaigns starting in 2026. The initiative aims to position the Maldives as a top destination for international travellers—particularly from key Asian markets—while simultaneously driving digital transformation within the local tourism and retail sectors.

As part of the partnership, BML and Alipay+ will introduce advanced, secure digital payment solutions across the Maldives. The collaboration focuses on expanding contactless QR payment acceptance and integrating Alipay+ features into the BML Swipe App, providing seamless, convenient, and accessible payment options for both local merchants and visiting tourists.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, BML CEO and Managing Director Mohamed Shareef described the partnerships as a “transformative step” in strengthening the Maldives’ digital ecosystem and boosting its global visibility.

“These strategic partnerships with Alipay+ and Visit Maldives mark a transformative step in advancing the Maldives' digital payment ecosystem and amplifying its global visibility,” said Shareef. “This collaboration is designed to unlock significant economic value by delivering cutting-edge, seamless payment experiences that directly benefit our customers, energize our merchant network, and accelerate growth for the national economy.”

Through this alliance, merchants across the Maldives will gain access to enhanced digital payment infrastructure supported by BML’s extensive merchant network. The bank currently facilitates payment processing across major global networks such as American Express, Visa, Mastercard, and UnionPay, in addition to supporting digital wallets including BML Pay, WeChat Pay, Alipay, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.

BML’s Merchant Portal and mPOS App will further empower businesses by enabling real-time payment requests, efficient transaction monitoring, and streamlined online store management.

The agreement underscores BML’s commitment to driving digital innovation and supporting the Maldives’ tourism sector—one of the key pillars of the nation’s economy—through technology-driven financial solutions. The collaboration with Alipay+ and Visit Maldives is expected to not only elevate the visitor experience but also strengthen the Maldives’ position as a digitally advanced, tourist-friendly destination in the region.