PhonePe will run extensive on-ground merchant activations as a part of the popular New Year festival
PhonePe has announced a strategic partnership with e-Sewa and the Hotel Association of Nepal (HAN) Pokhara to promote Unified Payments Interface (UPI) on the Fonepay Network during the upcoming Fewa New Year Festival, scheduled from April 11th to 14th. This festival, renowned for its popularity among Nepali citizens and Indian tourists alike, offers a vibrant showcase of Nepalese culture, local cuisine, music, art exhibitions, and traditional performances.
Aligning with its mission to boost digital payments through UPI, PhonePe will lead various on-ground activations aimed at educating local merchants about the benefits of digital transactions and demonstrating the ease of digital payments for customers. The campaign will feature extensive on-ground and digital branding, interactive kiosks, and other engaging activities to showcase the simplicity and convenience of UPI payments. With the participation of over 3,000 merchants and an expected footfall of over 100,000 visitors, this initiative aims to accelerate the adoption of UPI on the Fonepay Network in Nepal.
Ritesh Pai, CEO International Payments at PhonePe, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We are thrilled to collaborate with eSewa and the Hoteliers Association of Nepal to promote UPI during the highly anticipated Fewa New Year Festival. With Nepal attracting a significant number of Indian tourists each year, our focus will be on enhancing merchant education and awareness to facilitate seamless UPI transactions across the Fonepay Network in Nepal. This partnership has the potential to transform Nepal’s digital landscape, allowing PhonePe users to conduct transactions effortlessly, irrespective of their location.”
Jagdish Khadka, CEO of eSewa, echoed similar sentiments, saying, “Partnering with PhonePe and the Hotel Association of Nepal for the Fewa New Year Festival presents a fantastic opportunity for eSewa to further bolster digital payments in Nepal. As the leading digital wallet in the country, we are dedicated to enriching the digital payment ecosystem and offering convenient solutions for both merchants and consumers. Given the substantial influx of Indian visitors to Nepal, this collaboration aligns perfectly with our goal to enhance visitor experience by promoting the use of UPI and the Fonepay network. Through this joint effort, we aspire to drive digital transactions, foster financial inclusion, and contribute to the growth of Nepal’s digital economy.”
Laxman Subedi, President of HAN Pokhara Chapter, emphasized the significance of the Fewa New Year Festival in attracting visitors and promoting tourism in Pokhara. He said, “The 19th Fewa New Year Festival aims to attract 300,000 visitors, and Pokhara’s hotels, supported by HAN, are offering discounts of up to 20% to ensure a comfortable stay for tourists. Pokhara, with its rich cultural heritage and scenic beauty, epitomizes Nepal’s tourism appeal. Together, let us celebrate our cultural diversity, welcome visitors from around the world, and rejuvenate our hospitality sector.”
Diwas Sapkota, CEO of Fonepay, expressed his delight at the strategic partnership with PhonePe India, eSewa Nepal, and HAN to integrate UPI capabilities onto the Fonepay Network. He commented, “We are thrilled to witness this collaboration unfold at the Fewa New Year Festival, which serves as an ideal platform to showcase the impact of this partnership. With its massive turnout, the festival brings people to the heart of Nepal’s cultural and economic hub, providing an excellent opportunity for attendees to experience the latest advancements in payment technology.”
In summary, the collaboration between PhonePe, e-Sewa, and HAN at the Fewa New Year Festival promises to revolutionize digital payments in Nepal, offering a seamless and convenient payment experience for consumers and merchants alike, while also promoting tourism and cultural exchange between Nepal and India.
