Hong Kong-headquartered travel and leisure booking platform Klook and Singapore-based buy now pay later (BNPL) firm Atome announced a regional partnership to expand buy now pay later payment acceptance for travel, attractions and leisure experiences across Southeast Asia.
The partnership will start in Singapore before rolling out to Hong Kong, Malaysia, and the Philippines in the coming months, the companies said in a statement on Tuesday.
Klook users in these four markets will be able to pay with Atome during checkout on Klook’s mobile app and website.
Customers’ bills will then be split into three zero-interest payments, with no annual or servicing fees. The partnership also comes at a time when more countries in Asia are looking to reopen their economies and tourism sector.
“From staycations and cruises to local tours and attractions, people across the region are using Klook to satiate their thirst for adventure and joyful experiences,” said Marcus Yong, Vice President, Global Marketing for Klook. “People need an outlet, and domestic travel will continue to grow alongside the gradual resumption of cross-border travel.”
“Partnering with Klook’s incredible network across the region will introduce millions of users and travel and activities operators to Atome’s flexible, secure and seamless payment experience. This partnership comes at a critical time as the region gradually emerges from Covid19 and re-invigorates the travel and tourism industry. We recognize this incredible opportunity and are excited we can play our part in supporting this recovery,” Atome Head of Partnerships Jonathan Cai said.
Founded in 2014, Klook is Asia’s travel and leisure booking platform providing a seamless way for users to explore popular attractions, tours, local transportation, hotels, and unique experiences at home or around the world. Its platform has 280,000 offerings in more than 500 destinations. Klook’s services are also available in 14 languages and 41 currencies, including over 30 payment methods globally.
Klook announced in January that it has raised $200 million in additional funding. The Series E round was led by Aspex Management, in addition to other new investors. Existing investors including Sequoia Capital China, Softbank Vision Fund 1, Matrix Partners China, and Boyu Capital also participated in the funding round.
Partnering with online and offline retailers to increase conversions and grow average orders and customer segments, Atome currently partners over 5,000 online and offline retailers in nine markets (Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Vietnam, Philippines, Thailand, and mainland China).
Atome is part of Advance Intelligence Group, one of the largest independent technology startups based in Singapore. Founded in 2016, the group has a presence across South and Southeast Asia, Latin America, and Greater China.
Featured image credit: Klook