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India And UAE Revolutionize Payments With UPI Integration, Creating A Seamless Digital Experience

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Home » TRAVEL NEWS UPDATES » India And UAE Revolutionize Payments With UPI Integration, Creating A Seamless Digital Experience

Friday, July 11, 2025

National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) International Payments Limited (NIPL), the overseas subsidiary of India’s National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), has made remarkable efforts at increasing the use of India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in the UAE. As a result of millions of Indians visiting the UAE every year and the nation’s increasing drive for a cashless economy, the growth represents an important breakthrough, reaping benefits for consumers as well as businesses across international boundaries.

UPI, India’s real-time, account-to-account payment system, has transformed the payment process in India. Processing a staggering 18 billion transactions per month, UPI is among the largest digital payment systems globally. UPI enables instantaneous, secure, and seamless transactions through mobile applications, giving users a convenient and easy method to make and receive transactions. Due to the open architecture and strong security features of the UPI system, it can conform to global regulatory landscapes, such as the UAE.

The UAE is one of India’s major travel and remittance corridors. Indians are the largest overseas group of visitors to the UAE, with the Ministry of Tourism of India recording that seven million Indians visit the UAE annually. UPI’s introduction into the UAE’s payment infrastructure has the potential to simplify the travel process of these visitors, allowing them to process transactions through the same mobile applications used back in India. This allows Indian visitors to enjoy a convenient, secure, and familiar method of payment while reducing the use of cash, speeding up transactions, and reducing costs for firms.

UAE’s Initiative Towards a Cashless Economy and the Role of UPI

The UAE has set an ambitious target of achieving 90% digital transactions by 2026, a goal that aligns perfectly with NPCI International’s efforts to scale UPI in the country. To achieve this vision, the UAE government has been working on developing and integrating digital payment platforms that can cater to a wide range of sectors, including retail, hospitality, transportation, and more. The introduction of UPI as part of this vision provides a seamless digital payment solution for both businesses and consumers.

It was a privilege to have His Excellency Satish Kumar Sivan, Consul General of India, Dubai, express his enthusiasm about the increasing penetration of UPI into the UAE. “Indian diaspora and Indian tourist travel experience to the UAE will never remain the same again following the full integration of UPI with the UAE’s digital payment infrastructure. I am happy to note that NIPL is taking aggressive initiatives to deliver a seamless Indian clientele experience through cooperation with merchant entities, payment solution partners, and banks in the UAE.”

A Growing Network of Partners and Collaborations

In the last couple of years, NIPL has established a solid base for UPI in the UAE by forming alliances with major financial institutions and payment system providers. Key alliances include alliances with NeoPay (Mashreq), Network International, and Magnati, which have facilitated UPI QR-based transactions over a fast-growing merchant network.

Dubai Duty-Free and Lulu Hypermarket, flagship retail stores, have already onboarded UPI payment systems, enabling Indian consumers to directly make payments through their Indian bank accounts. Such a partnership reflects the increasing uptake of UPI by the UAE and shows the platform’s ability to further simplify cross-border transactions, enabling wider convenience for both businesses and consumers.

Ritesh Shukla, MD & CEO, NPCI International, shared his pride about the contributions of the company to speeding up UPI adoption in the UAE. “We are delighted to speed up the adoption of UPI in the UAE, a feat that not only delivers unprecedented convenience to millions of Indian visitors but fortifies the digital connection between our two economies as well. By facilitating seamless, secure, and real-time transactions, we are empowering consumers and merchants alike. Our foray into the UAE marks new benchmarks for cross-border financial interconnectedness and complements the UAE’s mission of a cashless economy.”

Way Forward: Expansion of UPI in Strategic Areas

As part of the next phase, NPCI International is actively engaging with the regulators, acquirers, and stakeholders of the industry in the UAE to promote UPI adoption among the broad-based, high-frequency segments such as retail, hospitality, entertainment, transportation, and core services. Through a sector-specific strategy, UPI can realize its full potential across various segments, enabling seamless payment transactions for the benefit of users and optimizing business operations.

One of the key features of UPI is its support for real-time payments in Indian rupees, which is beneficial for both consumers and merchants. The platform also provides transparent exchange rates, enabling businesses to offer competitive pricing and enhancing customer satisfaction. Additionally, UPI incorporates safeguards like two-factor authentication, transaction limits, and international usage controls, ensuring that transactions are secure and compliant with global standards.

A Promising Future for Digital Payments in UAE and Beyond

The payment system of the UAE is experiencing a transformation, and NPCI International has a role to play in shaping the transformation. NPCI International’s endeavors to promote the adoption of UPI in the UAE are a reflection of the growing trust in the payment infrastructure of India and its compatibility with the international market. By developing a seamless, secure, and cross-border payment system, NIPL seeks to strengthen collaborations and usher in the age of digital transformation. With increasing adoption of UPI in the UAE, it will have a profound impact in terms of payment convenience for both UAE-based businesses as well as Indian visitors. India-UAE cooperation is paving the way for a new age of financial digital connectivity that will positively impact millions of people and enterprises across the border.

(Source: NPCI International, Government of India, Government of UAE)



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Being “The Best You”: Klook Partners with ICICI For Promoting Exclusive Travel Campaign In India

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July 11, 2025

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Home » LUXURY TRAVEL » Being “The Best You”: Klook Partners with ICICI For Promoting Exclusive Travel Campaign In India

Friday, July 11, 2025

New Delhi – Asia’s ultimate travel experiences platform, Klook, announced the unveiling of a new brand campaign, “The Best You”, which invites travelers to reconnect with themselves through out-of-the-ordinary travel experiences. Starring India’s beloved comedian, Bharti Singh, the “The Best You” campaign seeks to reframe the way people perceive travel—focusing on self-discovery, elation, and personalized connections.

The campaign alligns with a new partnership between the Times Black ICICI Bank Credit Card and Klook, a first-of-its-kind offering to India’s crème-de-la-crème consumers. The partnership holds the promise of giving card members the best-of-the-best travel benefits, which shall go a long way towards enhancing the travel experiences of India’s discerning travelers.

Bharti Singh’s Journey of Persistence and Rediscovery

The Bharti Singh saga is a touching tale of metamorphosis and endurance. India’s Queen of Comedy, Bharti has made a name for herself in an industry which isn’t too comfortable with women, let alone when crossing over into the zone of humor. But with determination, humor, and an iron self, Bharti has cracked open doors. Bharti reflects today about her personal transformation and how traveling became the core of her life.

“Not many know the work that went into me getting my place in the industry,” Bharti said. “Over the years, I have been bombarded with ideas about how I need to live my life. But now, I have to stop, calm down, and do something for me. Traveling does that for me—reconnect, open myself up to the new, and let the little things that really get to my heart, put a smile back on my face.”

With “The Best You”, Bharti invites you to share the travel spirit that builds individual growth and connectivity. Her message boils down to embracing the values of spontaneity and taking refuge in the little things—a serene night under stars, exploration of new cultures, or a first-hand experience of something. Bharti’s own adventure summarizes the ad campaign: travel is not about the locales, it’s about the emotions and experiences that keep you truly alive.

Special Travel Benefits for Times Black ICICI Bank Card Members

Klook’s partnership with Times Black ICICI Bank again expands the relationship with travel and luxury. Times Black Credit Card, made out of a rare metal, targets India’s elite customer segment specifically and gives them a set of hand-curated benefits and luxury offerings. As a result of the relationship, the card members are entitled to exclusive rights to a set of benefits provided through the Klook platform, consisting of:

Special discounts when you book experiences anywhere in the globe.

First access to sold-out events and attractions.

Professional customer service to ensure a comfortable trip.

For the discerning traveler, the Times Black card holds the prospect of taking their travel experiences to a higher level, not just with superior experiences, but with luxury-level service, as well as VIP benefits.

A Revamped Travel Experience for the New-Age Indian Travelers

According to Shivam Tyagi, the Marketing Lead of Klook India and the Middle East, “The Best You” program does not center on simple activity provision. It’s an offer to re-live happy moments and create significant, memorable experiences which have an emotional recall.

“People yearn for a connection now more than ever,” Tyagi explained. “They want to get away from the routine of everyday existence and reconnect themselves with the things and themselves around them. Klook aims to facilitate that connection through heart-touching travel—via shared humor, the rush of a new adventure, the grandeur of a new destination.”

The brand, with all it stands for—informality, self-exploration, and a healthy dose of fun—is perfectly compatible with the traveller of today, who increasingly, through travel, wishes to have a genuine re-invention of the self. Whether it’s the romanticism of a serene Balinese sunset or the frivolous street-food explorations of Bangkok, “The Best You” celebrates the individual moments that, when collectively shared, make travel a holiday and not a trip—and a genuinely transformational experience.

What’s Next: Future Plans and Future Travel Opportunities

Klook and Times Black ICICI Bank joint venture is said to become a defining element of the luxury travel ecosystem of India. For the times to come, the joint venture shall offer card members even more personalized services such as limited edition travel services, exclusive event activities, and broader coverage of emerging travel destinations. That’s just the beginning of what promises to become a new chapter for the new age Indian traveler who seeks luxurious experiences.

Both Times Black ICICI Bank and Klook recognize the evolution of the travel environment and are committed to delivering premium, personalized services that enhance the process of traveling. By leveraging the global platform of Klook and the Times Black card’s exclusive features, the new joint venture seeks to reposition the relationship of premium Indian travelers with the world.

Including Travel as a Part of Self-Discovery This launch of “The Best You” and Times Black ICICI Bank partnership are a true reflection of what travel today is all about. Checking the boxes of the places or seeing the attractions does not hold true anymore, today it is all about the moments, the people, and the experiences that make your trip all the difference. Bharti Singh’s own reflections are a reminder that travel can play a part as a tool of individual exploration as much as a source of much pleasure and connection. As Klook continues to grow its presence in India’s luxury travel market, the partnership marks a new chapter in how India’s elite adventurers see the globe—curated, personalized, and meaningful.



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Find Sunflowers In Full Bloom At These Places In India This Month – Travel and Leisure Asia

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Find Sunflowers In Full Bloom At These Places In India This Month  Travel and Leisure Asia



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Wego India Innovates with Technology to Streamline Travel Search, Address Trends, and Drive Post-Pandemic Growth

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July 11, 2025

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Wego India Innovates with Technology to Streamline Travel Search, Address Trends, and Drive Post-Pandemic Growth

Friday, July 11, 2025

Wego India, a prominent metasearch engine in the travel industry, is revolutionizing the way Indian travelers plan and book their journeys by leveraging cutting-edge technology. According to Bernard Corraya, General Manager of Wego India, the company’s focus on technology and customer experience has been pivotal in enhancing travel search and expanding options for Indian users.

In an exclusive interview with TTW, Bernard Corraya, GM of Wego India, discussed the company’s innovative approach to revolutionizing the travel experience for Indian users. He highlighted Wego India’s integration of real-time APIs, offering seamless flight, hotel, and train bookings. The platform now features flexible fares, multi-carrier itineraries, and a growing focus on experiential accommodations. Corraya also emphasized Wego’s efforts to deliver personalized travel recommendations using machine learning. As India’s travel industry recovers post-pandemic, Wego is contributing to both domestic and outbound tourism by offering flexible, competitive options and a streamlined travel ecosystem.

Wego’s platform aggregates real-time data from airlines, hotels, rail operators, and OTAs through API integrations, ensuring users have access to the most up-to-date and comprehensive options available. This enables the search for flights, hotels, and trains to be smooth and seamless. A significant addition in early 2024 was the integration of a train-booking service, which directly pulls IRCTC availability, allowing users to search for train tickets alongside flights and hotels. The service is designed to allow users to filter by various preferences, such as class, departure time, and fare type, and even complete payments without leaving the platform. Underpinning this service is a robust infrastructure that ensures that search results are up-to-date, reducing booking friction and improving the user experience for Indian travelers.

Looking ahead to 2025, Wego India has observed key trends in travelers’ preferences. Indian users are increasingly opting for flexible fares, which offer refund and rescheduling options, as well as multi-carrier itineraries for better convenience. Additionally, premium-economy seating is gaining popularity for medium-haul flights as travelers seek more comfort. On the hotel front, there is a growing demand for experiential and long-stay accommodations, particularly in tier-II and tier-III cities. The preference for boutique properties and serviced apartments—combining home-style amenities with hotel services—reflects a shift in how Indian travelers want to experience their stays.

To ensure competitive pricing and a wide array of options, Wego India utilizes a dynamic pricing engine that aggregates fares from multiple sources, including direct airline APIs, global distribution systems, and third-party OTAs. This ensures that Wego India users have access to the most competitive prices, along with the flexibility to explore both standard and exclusive package deals.

The company has also embraced the demand for personalized travel recommendations. Wego employs machine-learning algorithms that analyze a user’s past searches, bookings, and travel preferences to present more tailored options. This creates a more personalized experience, allowing users to discover flights, hotels, and destinations that match their individual needs. Additionally, the homepage features “inspiration modules,” offering curated destination guides based on collective trend data.

As India’s travel industry recovers post-pandemic, Wego India is playing a crucial role in facilitating both outbound and domestic travel. With the rise in domestic tourism and outbound travel, Wego India has integrated self-drive rental services through a partnership with Zoomcar, further enhancing the convenience of travel. The company has also worked to make the booking process contactless, ensuring safety and flexibility for travelers. By aggregating multiple travel services—flights, hotels, trains, and self-drive rentals—into a seamless ecosystem, Wego India is paving the way for future growth in both leisure and business travel.

1. How is Wego India leveraging technology to enhance the travel search experience for Indian users?

Wego India operates a robust metasearch engine that aggregates live inventory from hundreds of airlines, hotels, rail operators and OTAs via real‐time API integrations. In early 2024, Wego introduced an integrated train-booking service—pulling IRCTC availability directly into its app and website—to complement flight and hotel search, allowing users to filter by class, departure time and fare type, then complete payment without leaving the Wego platform.

Under the hood, a combination of low-latency caching, incremental data polling, and predictive algorithms for ticket-confirmation probabilities ensures that search results remain both comprehensive and up-to-date, significantly reducing booking friction for Indian travelers.

2. What trends are you seeing in Indian travelers’ preferences for flights and hotels in 2025?

Users increasingly prioritize refundable or “flex” fares, multi-carrier itineraries and premium-economy seating for greater comfort on medium-haul routes. Meanwhile, hotel searches reflect a clear shift toward experiential and long-stay accommodations: demand for boutique properties in tier-II and tier-III cities is rising, and extended-stay travelers are booking serviced apartments that blend home-style amenities with hotel-class services.

3. How does Wego India ensure competitive pricing and comprehensive options in a highly dynamic market?

Wego’s dynamic pricing engine continuously polls multiple fare sources, direct airline APIs, global distribution systems and third-party OTAs, refreshing rates every few minutes to capture flash sales and limited-time bundles.

By presenting these aggregated deals side-by-side with standard fares and surfacing exclusive package rates, Wego India guarantees that every search surfaces the broadest choice at the most competitive price.

4. Can you share how Wego is addressing the growing demand for personalized travel recommendations in India?

To move beyond generic search results, Wego deploys machine-learning models that analyze each user’s past searches, bookings, trip durations and demographic signals. These algorithms rank flight and hotel options in order of likely affinity considering preferred cabin classes, budget bands and even seasonal travel habits, while “inspiration modules” on the homepage deliver hand-curated destination guides based on collective trend data. The result is a bespoke planning experience: rather than wading through hundreds of options, users are presented with personalized suggestions that align closely with their unique preferences and travel histories.

5. How is Wego India contributing to the recovery and growth of India’s outbound and domestic travel markets post-pandemic?

As India’s travel industry rebounds, with outbound trips climbing sharply throughout the year and domestic tourism leading the recovery, Wego has expanded its rail-booking service to capture intra-India travel demand and partnered with Zoomcar to integrate self-drive rentals directly into its platform.

By aggregating flights, hotels, trains and self-drive vehicles into one seamless ecosystem and by championing contactless booking pathways and flexible cancellation policies. Wego is empowering both leisure and business travellers to plan safe, autonomous journeys across India and beyond.

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