NITN | @notintownlive | 14 Oct 2025, 11:27 am
France
France is one of the major countries that adopted UPI. Photo: Unsplash
France has recorded a 40% rise in Indian tourists since adopting India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) for digital transactions last year, a top fintech executive said.
Christophe Mariette, Chairman of Lyra Network, attributed the surge to the ease and security UPI offers Indian travellers. Speaking at the Global Fintech Fest 2025, Mariette said the integration of UPI at major French landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, has boosted convenience and confidence among visitors.
“We launched UPI at the Eiffel Tower more than a year ago, and it’s going quite well. The general manager of the Eiffel Tower told me that the number of Indian tourists has increased by about 40%,” Mariette told ANI.
“When you travel abroad, you feel more secure using your own payment method. The great thing about UPI is that you see the expense in rupees, and the exact amount is deducted from your account. It’s very secure for Indian tourists,” he added.
According to the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), which developed UPI, the system enables multiple bank accounts to be linked to a single mobile application, combining banking features, fund transfers, and merchant payments. Launched in April 2016 by then-RBI Governor Raghuram G. Rajan, UPI has since become one of the world’s most widely used digital payment systems.
- Amsterdam plans huge tourist tax hike — Visitors could soon pay up to 20 percent
- Germany waives airport Transit Visa requirement for Indian nationals from June 3
- Anand Mahindra amazed by Vande Bharat's journey across Chenab Rail Bridge
- Passengers urged to document luggage amid Canadian airport drug-tag scheme
- South Africa Goes Visa-Free for Indians, But There’s a Catch
- From War Risks to Medical Bills: Why Indian Travellers Need Better Travel Insurance
- Beyond Books – A College Street Heritage Walk to Trace Kolkata’s Literary and Academic Legacy
- Rare Pahari Art from India’s Himalayas Finds a Home at Smithsonian Museum
- Dubai Unveils Its First Fully Private Beach for Women
- Banksy’s Latest Work Pops Up in London, Sparks Midnight Buzz
Air India and Riyadh Air have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) as they look to strengthen links between their networks and offer travellers more convenient connections between India, Saudi Arabia and destinations beyond.
Qatar Airways has launched a Boeing 777 aircraft featuring a special FIFA World Cup 2026 livery, reflecting its ongoing association with FIFA. The aircraft has been unveiled ahead of the tournament and highlights the airline's role in connecting fans, teams, and football communities around the world.
Air India Express announces the launch of its ‘Xpress Sale,’ offering 5 million seats with savings of up to 50% on Lite (Zero Check-in Baggage) and Value fares across its domestic and international network.