In a groundbreaking move, NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) has joined forces with Lyra, a prominent French leader in e-commerce security, to introduce Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions in France. The initiative kicks off at none other than the renowned Eiffel Tower, offering Indian tourists a convenient and secure method to book tickets online.
The official announcement took place at a special event in Paris, organized by the Indian Embassy to celebrate the Republic Day of India. The occasion witnessed the presence of esteemed dignitaries, including H.E. M. Jawed Ashraf, the Ambassador of India to France and Monaco, Prisca Thevenot, Minister Delegate to the Prime Minister and Government Spokesperson, France, Alain Lacour, President of the Lyra Group, Christophe Mariette, Commercial Director of Lyra France, and Patrick Branco Ruivo, CEO of Société d’Exploitation de la Tour Eiffel.
Empowering Indian Tourists:
Indian tourists, who contribute significantly to the Eiffel Tower’s international footfall, can now leverage UPI payments for a seamless online booking experience. This move facilitates swift transactions by enabling users to scan QR codes generated on merchant websites and initiate secure payments directly through UPI-powered apps.
Beyond the Eiffel Tower: Opportunities for Merchants Across Europe:
While the Eiffel Tower becomes the pioneering merchant to embrace UPI payments in France, this innovative service will soon extend to other players in the tourism and retail sectors across the country and Europe. Merchants will have the opportunity to tap into the vast Indian tourist market, offering hassle-free transactions for various services, including hotel bookings and museum visits.
Quotes from Key Figures:
Ritesh Shukla, CEO of NIPL, expressed the company’s ambition to foster global acceptance of NPCI’s payment solutions and establish an interoperable global payment system. Christophe Mariette, Commercial Director of Lyra France, highlighted the pride in launching UPI in Europe and the significant business opportunities it promises for the French and European tourism ecosystem.
