Unlocking the Eiffel Tower:
Indian Tourists Can Now Use UPI for Hassle-Free Payments
Please
note visitors to France planning a visit to Eiffel Tower need to buy tickets to
visit the interiors of Eiffel Tower.
Tickets
are not required to see the exterior of Eiffel Tower. However, tickets are required
to visit the interiors.
The
interiors apart from spectacular viewpoints have restaurants and curio shops.
There
are multiple combo options for the tourists to choose from. The norm is to book
the tickets with the desired combo in advance.
In
some cases, on the spot tickets are available. Here is where the Magic of UPI
comes in.
Yes,
the Magic of UPI enables Indian tourists to book on the spot tickets, if
available, via the UPI mode.
So,
go ahead and experience the magic of UPI.
In a
groundbreaking move, NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL), in
collaboration with Lyra, a French leader in securing e-commerce and proximity
payments, has introduced Unified Payments Interface (UPI) as a payment method
in France, starting with the iconic Eiffel Tower.
This
development marks a significant milestone for Indian tourists, enabling them to
seamlessly purchase Eiffel Tower tickets online using UPI, streamlining the
transaction process and making it quick, easy, and hassle-free.
The Official Announcement:
The announcement was made at a
special event organized by the Indian Embassy in France to celebrate the
Republic Day of India. His Excellency M. Jawed Ashraf, the Ambassador of India
to France and Monaco, presided over the event alongside distinguished guests,
including 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.
Significance for Indian Tourists:
Indian tourists, ranking as the
second-largest group of international visitors to the Eiffel Tower, can now
enjoy the convenience of secure online transactions.
By using their UPI-powered apps
to scan the QR code generated on the merchant website, they can initiate a
payment effortlessly.
This development not only
benefits Indian tourists but also opens up new opportunities for merchants
across France and Europe, particularly in the tourism and retail sectors.
Expanding UPI Usage:
While the Eiffel Tower is the
first merchant to offer UPI payments in France, this service is expected to
extend to other merchants in the tourism and retail space.
This expansion will make it
significantly easier for Indian tourists to remotely book hotels, museum
visits, and other experiences for their stay in France.
Quotes from Key Stakeholders:
Ritesh Shukla, CEO of NIPL,
expressed their ambition to enable NPCI’s payment solutions in international
markets and create a truly interoperable global payment system. Christophe
Mariette, Commercial Director of Lyra France, highlighted the pride in launching
UPI in Europe and the strength of their collaboration with India.
Exploring the
Magnificence of the Eiffel Tower: A Symbol of Elegance and Innovation
Introduction:
Standing proudly on the Champ de
Mars in Paris, the Eiffel Tower, pronounced as /ˈaɪfəl/ or
EYE-fəl in
English and Tour Eiffel [tuʁ ɛfɛl] in
French, is a wrought-iron lattice tower that embodies the architectural
brilliance of engineer Gustave Eiffel. Built from 1887 to 1889, this iconic
structure has transcended criticism to become a global cultural icon, fondly
nicknamed "La dame de fer" (French for "Iron Lady").
Historical Significance:
Constructed as the centerpiece of
the 1889 World's Fair and to commemorate the centennial anniversary of the
French Revolution, the Eiffel Tower initially faced skepticism from leading
artists and intellectuals. However, over time, it has evolved into one of the
most recognizable and visited structures globally.
Structural Marvel:
Soaring to a height of 330 meters
(1,083 ft), equivalent to an 81-storey building, the Eiffel Tower's base is a
square measuring 125 meters (410 ft) on each side. During its construction, it
surpassed the Washington Monument as the tallest human-made structure globally,
holding this title for 41 years. The addition of a broadcasting aerial in 1957
further elevated its stature, making it taller than the Chrysler Building by
5.2 meters (17 ft). Today, excluding transmitters, it stands as the second
tallest free-standing structure in France after the Millau Viaduct.
Visitor Experience:
The Eiffel Tower offers a
captivating experience with three levels for visitors. The first and second
levels house restaurants, and the upper platform on the top level is 276 meters
(906 ft) above the ground – the highest observation deck accessible to the
public in the European Union. Visitors can choose to ascend by stairs or lift
to the first and second levels, enhancing the allure of this iconic Parisian
structure.
Lighting up the Night:
Every night, the Eiffel Tower
transforms into a spectacle, illuminated by 335 projectors, offering a
mesmerizing light show. Designer Gustave Eiffel, in a unique touch, included a
small apartment for himself at the top of the tower.
Planning Your Visit:
For an enriched experience, it is
advisable to purchase tickets in advance, especially during the high season.
While exterior views do not require a ticket, entry tickets are essential for
exploring the tower's interior and enjoying breathtaking views of the City of
Lights from the first, second, or third levels.
Enchanting Transformation:
The Eiffel Tower stands as a
symbol of love, culture, and the indomitable spirit of Paris. Visitors can
delve into its rich history, pose against its stunning backdrop, and witness
its enchanting transformation when lit up with a symphony of lights.
How to Reach:
For those planning a visit, the
activity location is approximately 5.2 km from the Paris City Center. It takes
about 18 minutes by car or cab to reach this iconic destination.
Plan Your Trip:
For a seamless visit, explore the
four floors of the Eiffel Tower, offering unique perspectives at each level.
From the ground level to the summit, visitors can indulge in exhibits,
transparent floors, and a 360-degree panorama of Paris, including landmarks
like the Louvre, Arc de Triomphe, and Montmartre.
Embark on an awe-inspiring
journey to the Eiffel Tower, a masterpiece that beckons with its beauty and
grandeur. Capture the magic, ascend its iron lattice structure, and let this
iconic landmark become the backdrop of unforgettable memories. Book your tickets,
experience the breathtaking views, and join the millions who have fallen in
love with this architectural marvel.
Disclaimer: These are my personal
views only. Copyrights if any, belong to the original holders only. The only
happiness is Spreading the Joy of Safe ePayments.
Unlocking Paris: UPI Payments at
the Iconic Eiffel Tower
