2018
![World first portal for Alipay merchants](https://christchurch.imagevault.media/publishedmedia/lr2y7y5kzq8dd0tfyuv9/Alipay.jpg?width=395&height=296&mode=crop)
World first portal for Alipay merchants
Christchurch Airport is introducing the world’s first online marketing portal for Alipay merchants.
![New and larger retail experience coming to Christchurch Airport](https://christchurch.imagevault.media/publishedmedia/26xkznfazav8gxespy5c/PLAZA_FOR_SAM-3_-Large-.jpg?width=395&height=296&mode=crop)
New and larger retail experience coming to Christchurch Airport
Doubling the size of the international retail space at Christchurch Airport is one of the many changes coming as a result of the appointment of a new world leading concessionaire.
![Chinese travel service platform launched to boost regional tourism](https://christchurch.imagevault.media/publishedmedia/cv9e9qyui2a9ziap4r9t/Fliggy_1.jpg?width=395&height=296&mode=crop)
Chinese travel service platform launched to boost regional tourism
Christchurch Airport has today announced the launch of a South Island Travel Store on Fliggy, a leading Chinese travel service platform and part of the Alibaba digital ecosystem, in a move designed to promote regional tourism and economic development.
![2018 a year of records for Christchurch Airport](https://christchurch.imagevault.media/publishedmedia/98la47d8wmdkxqb1kpfn/190918_WW_AERIALS_CAMPUS_OG-7.jpg?width=395&height=296&mode=crop)
2018 a year of records for Christchurch Airport
Christchurch Airport reports a financial year 2018 (ending 30 June 2018) which saw passenger numbers reach a record 6.87 million (up from 6.57m).
![Bumper year for international visitor arrivals through Christchurch Airport](https://christchurch.imagevault.media/publishedmedia/98la47d8wmdkxqb1kpfn/190918_WW_AERIALS_CAMPUS_OG-7.jpg?width=395&height=296&mode=crop)
Bumper year for international visitor arrivals through Christchurch Airport
Christchurch Airport’s position as the South Island’s gateway has gone from strength to strength following a bumper year for visitor arrivals.