New Mastercard and ETC Card for Chinese Travelers to Europe: A Game-Changer for Cross-Border Travel

In a significant move to enhance travel experiences for Chinese tourists, Mastercard and the European Travel Commission (ETC), in collaboration with Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), have launched a co-branded European Travel Credit Card. The new card was unveiled during the “Travel Europe with Ease — Mastercard × ETC New Year Forum 2026” in Beijing, China. The card aims to offer a seamless, secure, and convenient payment solution for Chinese travelers visiting Europe, supporting the region’s growing appeal as a destination for cultural exploration, history, and multi-destination journeys.

What Is the New European Travel Co-Branded Credit Card?

The European Travel Co-branded Credit Card has been designed to address the needs of Chinese travelers visiting Europe by providing a secure, widely accepted payment method across the continent. This new offering leverages the expertise of ICBC’s cross-border financial capabilities, Mastercard’s global acceptance infrastructure, and the ETC’s extensive European destination network. The card aims to simplify the financial aspects of travel, allowing visitors to make payments for everything from transport and accommodation to dining and cultural experiences with ease and security.

This initiative comes at a time when long-haul travel demand is increasing, and Chinese travelers are seeking more premium, experience-driven journeys to Europe. The launch of the card is set to make European tourism more accessible for the Chinese market, which continues to be one of the largest sources of outbound travel globally.

Why Is This Collaboration Significant for Chinese Tourists?

Europe remains one of the world’s largest and most attractive tourist destinations, welcoming 793 million international visitors in 2025. As Chinese outbound travel recovers and enters a steady growth phase, Europe continues to attract tourists seeking to immerse themselves in its rich culture, diverse heritage, and unparalleled history.

By partnering with ICBC and Mastercard, the ETC is offering a payment solution that aligns with the evolving preferences of Chinese tourists. More and more, Chinese visitors to Europe are looking for cultural immersion and authentic local experiences. This new card will help fulfill those needs by ensuring that travelers can engage with local economies without worrying about payment issues, enabling them to navigate their journeys with confidence.

When Will the Card Be Available, and What Are Its Features?

The European Travel Co-branded Credit Card will be launched in 2026, offering a design that combines European and Chinese cultural elements to reflect shared values of openness, exploration, and cross-cultural connection. The card will be widely accepted across Europe, making it easier for Chinese tourists to enjoy their travels without the usual concerns about foreign exchange or currency conversion fees.

The card is designed to meet a range of needs, from short-term leisure trips to longer stays for business, study, or family travel. As Chinese outbound tourism continues to evolve, with travelers spending more on experiences like dining, transport, and entertainment, the new card aims to provide an all-encompassing solution that enhances their journey.

How Will the Card Benefit European Tourism?

With the increasing number of Chinese tourists traveling to Europe, the launch of this new payment solution will likely have a profound impact on the region’s tourism economy. The card will facilitate seamless transactions in various sectors, from local transportation and hotels to restaurants and attractions, encouraging tourists to spend more and engage more deeply with local communities.

This collaboration not only benefits Chinese travelers but also strengthens the link between China and Europe by promoting a sustainable, secure, and inclusive travel ecosystem. The card supports the growing trend of experience-driven travel, where Chinese visitors are focusing less on shopping and more on cultural immersion.

The introduction of the card also aligns with broader tourism goals, such as enhancing accessibility for long-haul tourists and supporting local businesses by making it easier for international visitors to make payments.

What Does This Mean for Cross-Border Travel?

For Chinese travelers visiting Europe, the European Travel Co-branded Credit Card offers a secure, practical solution for handling cross-border transactions. By removing the barriers associated with foreign payment systems, the card provides peace of mind and simplifies travel for visitors who may otherwise face issues with currency conversion or acceptance of international payment methods.

With Mastercard’s global network and ICBC’s cross-border financial capabilities, the new card offers unparalleled accessibility for Chinese visitors to explore Europe’s cultural and historical landmarks. Additionally, the introduction of the card supports broader cross-border travel innovation, which is essential for making international tourism more inclusive, sustainable, and frictionless.

What’s Next for the European-China Tourism Relationship?

Looking ahead, ICBC, Mastercard, and the European Travel Commission are committed to further enhancing the cross-border travel experience by deepening their collaboration in the areas of payment innovation, tourism promotion, and experience enhancement. This partnership is expected to pave the way for even greater collaboration between Europe and China, supporting long-term tourism growth and building stronger cultural and economic ties.

The launch of the European Travel Co-branded Credit Card represents a milestone in the Europe-China tourism relationship, providing a much-needed solution for Chinese tourists while also supporting European tourism by making it easier for visitors to spend, explore, and experience everything that Europe has to offer.

Conclusion: A Seamless Journey for Chinese Tourists in Europe

The new European Travel Co-branded Credit Card offers a groundbreaking solution for Chinese visitors to Europe, enhancing the ease, security, and accessibility of their travel experiences. By enabling seamless, transparent, and widely accepted payments across Europe, this collaboration between Mastercard, ETC, and ICBC is poised to unlock a wealth of new opportunities for travelers and local economies alike. With this innovative payment solution, Chinese tourists can now experience Europe more fully, with greater confidence and convenience, as they embark on memorable journeys across the continent.

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