France Witnesses 40% Increase In Indian Tourists After UPI Adoption

The introduction of UPI in France has enhanced digital transaction convenience for Indian tourists, resulting in a 40% increase in visits. This development underscores the significance of familiar payment methods for enhancing security and transparency.

The introduction of India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in France has significantly boosted digital transaction convenience for tourists. Christophe Mariette, Chairman of Lyra Network, noted a notable rise in Indian visitors to France due to this development. During the Global Fintech Fest 2025, Mariette highlighted that UPI's presence at key tourist spots has led to a 40% increase in Indian tourists.

"We launched UPI more than one year ago at the Eiffel Tower, and it's going quite well. More and more Indian tourists are going to the Eiffel Tower. I was with the general manager of the Eiffel Tower a few weeks ago, and he told me that the number of Indian tourists has increased by 40 per cent," Mariette told ANI.

UPI's Impact on Tourism

Mariette explained that using familiar payment systems like UPI makes Indian tourists feel secure abroad. The system allows them to see expenses in rupees, ensuring transparency and security. "When you are in a country, you feel much more secure if you are using your own payment method," he added.

Lyra Network has been operating in India for over 18 years, collaborating with major banks. The company received its payment aggregator agreement from the Reserve Bank of India. Mariette expressed satisfaction with UPI's growing acceptance in India.

Expansion Plans for UPI

Mariette announced plans to introduce UPI payments at Bicester Village, starting with La Vallee Village in France. He emphasized that Indians enjoy luxury shopping with discounts, which Bicester offers. This move highlights the collaboration between India's fintech sector and global retail hubs.

Bicester Village is a designer outlet located near Bicester town in Oxfordshire, England. It attracts shoppers seeking high-end brands at reduced prices.

The integration of UPI into France's payment landscape not only facilitates transactions but also enhances tourism experiences for Indian visitors. This development underscores the growing synergy between India's fintech innovations and international markets.

With inputs from ANI