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By Nishang Narayan
Published on July 9, 2024
Galeries Lafayette Haussmann has recently announced the integration of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) system, introducing a new level of convenience and security for its customers. This initiative is part of the store’s continuous efforts to modernize and streamline the payment process for its customers.
The Unified Payments Interface, a revolutionary payment technology developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), has transformed the digital payment landscape in India. Since its inception in 2016, UPI has enabled instant and interbank money transfers via mobile applications, allowing users to link multiple bank accounts to a single app using unique virtual identifiers.
Established in 2008, the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and developing India’s payment infrastructure. Through innovations like UPI, NPCI has played a crucial role in digitizing the Indian economy, making digital payments more accessible and inclusive for millions of citizens. This transformation has facilitated everyday transactions and significantly advanced financial inclusion on an unprecedented scale.
To celebrate the launch of UPI payments at Galeries Lafayette Haussmann, a cocktail event was held on Wednesday, July 3rd, 2024. The event was honored by the presence of H.E. Jawad Ashraf, Ambassador of India, and Nicolas Houzé, CEO of Galeries Lafayette. This exclusive gathering provided a unique opportunity to strengthen ties between the Parisian department store and the Indian diplomatic community, highlighting the importance of international relations in the store’s commercial and cultural endeavors.
"We are delighted to be the first department store in Europe to offer the UPI payment solution at Galeries Lafayette Haussmann. By introducing UPI, we facilitate seamless and secure transactions for our Indian customers and strengthen cultural and economic ties between France and India. As the number of visitors from India is growing, we are proud to offer this innovative payment option, ensuring a convenient and memorable shopping experience. With the opening of our first Indian store in Mumbai in 2025, followed by New Delhi, this initiative becomes even more significant, symbolizing our commitment to reinforcing the ties between our two countries," declared Vincent Sénéquat, Director of Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann.
The integration of UPI payments by Galeries Lafayette Haussmann marks a significant milestone for both customers and the store, highlighting their dedication to leading technological innovation and continuously improving the shopping experience, thereby strengthening customer trust. This initiative cements the department store’s position as an industry leader and underscores their commitment to simplifying transactions by providing payment solutions that meet the demands of today’s consumers.
About Galeries Lafayette: Famous the world over, Galeries Lafayette is France’s leading department store brand. It has dominated the fashion and retail event stage for the past 130 years, offering each visitor a unique shopping experience and ensuring that French and international customers can choose from a constantly fresh range of classic as well as more exclusive brands. Home to fashion & accessories, beauty, lifestyle, as well as a food hall and dining spaces, Galeries Lafayette enjoys a global reputation thanks to a network of 67 stores in France and worldwide, its e-commerce site, galerieslafayette.com, and its factory outlet business Galeries Lafayette L’Outlet.
About NPCI International:
NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) was incorporated on April 3, 2020, as a wholly owned subsidiary of the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). As NPCI’s international arm, NIPL is devoted to deploying NPCI’s indigenous, successful real-time payment system—Unified Payments Interface (UPI)—and card scheme (RuPay) outside of India. NPCI has successfully developed and proved its products and technological capabilities in the domestic market by transforming the payment segment in India. Currently, there are several countries that seek to establish a real-time payment system or a domestic card scheme. NIPL, with its knowledge and experience, can offer these countries technological assistance through licensing and consulting for building real-time payment systems to meet the rapidly evolving needs of fast-growing global businesses. NIPL focuses on transforming payments across the globe through technology and innovation. It will not only enable payments for Indians but also support other countries by enhancing their payment capabilities using technological assistance, consulting, and infrastructure.
Indulge in a seamless shopping experience at Galeries Lafayette Haussmann with the newly integrated UPI payment system, marking a new era of convenience and innovation.
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By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Published on August 5, 2026
Restaurant Brands Asia Limited (RBA), one of India's leading quick-service restaurant (QSR) operators, has reported strong financial results for the first quarter ended 30 June 2026, driven by higher revenues, improved profitability and steady network expansion.
During the quarter, the company's consolidated restaurant network expanded to 752 outlets, with nine new restaurants added in India since 31 March 2026.
On a consolidated basis, revenue from operations increased 17.9% year-on-year to ₹8,226 million, while Company EBITDA (Pre-Ind AS 116) surged 265.7% to ₹435 million, compared to ₹119 million in the same quarter last year.
The India business delivered an even stronger performance. Burger King India recorded a same-store sales growth (SSSG) of 12.6%, its highest level in the past 15 quarters. The company also achieved its highest-ever quarterly revenue and EBITDA.
Standalone revenue from operations rose 23.6% year-on-year to ₹6,829 million. Restaurant EBITDA (Pre-Ind AS 116) grew 68.1% to ₹900 million, with margins improving from 9.7% to 13.2%. Meanwhile, Company EBITDA (Pre-Ind AS 116) increased 133.6% to ₹527 million, with margins expanding from 4.1% to 7.7%.
Alongside its quarterly performance, Restaurant Brands Asia announced the completion of Inspira Global's acquisition of a controlling 42% stake in the company.
As part of the transaction, Inspira Global, which owns leading home-grown QSR brands including Chinese Wok, has invested ₹1,050 crore through the issuance of fresh equity shares and warrants. Upon exercising the warrants, the company will invest an additional ₹450 crore, increasing its shareholding in Restaurant Brands Asia to 48%.
The fresh capital is expected to strengthen the company's balance sheet and provide greater financial flexibility to support restaurant expansion, brand-building initiatives, digital capabilities and long-term growth plans.
Commenting on the results, Rajeev Varman, Whole-time Director and Group Chief Executive Officer of Restaurant Brands Asia, said:
“Q1 FY27 has been an important milestone in our journey towards sustainable and profitable growth in India. We have built upon positive momentum from the second half of last year and delivered strong growth in restaurant and company operating profits. Our continued focus on value, menu innovation, digital capabilities and disciplined execution enabled us to achieve our strongest quarterly SSSG in the last fifteen quarters. Burger King Indonesia business is also improving, with higher Restaurant EBITDA. Our new promoter Inspira Global brings deep industry expertise and a strong understanding of the food service business. Together, we are focused on improving operational efficiency, accelerating growth and creating long-term value for our shareholders.”
Forest Hill Resort is set to elevate experiential hospitality with the upcoming launch of FHR Wilderness Lodge in partnership with The Ultimate Travelling Camp (TUTC). Nestled amidst the scenic surroundings of Forest Hill Resort near Chandigarh, the new luxury lodge will combine TUTC's signature hospitality with the region's forests, lakes and the picturesque Shivalik foothills.
Designed for travellers seeking a peaceful escape from city life, FHR Wilderness Lodge will offer thoughtfully crafted luxury accommodation surrounded by nature. Guests can unwind in tranquil surroundings while enjoying personalised hospitality and curated experiences that celebrate the destination's natural beauty.
The lodge will feature a range of outdoor and recreational experiences, including golf, horse riding, boating, trekking, nature drives, angling, bonfire evenings, organic farm visits and exclusive dining experiences. Whether visiting for a family holiday, a private celebration or a corporate retreat, guests can look forward to immersive stays designed around comfort, relaxation and meaningful experiences.
FHR Wilderness Lodge will also enhance destination weddings at Forest Hill Resort by offering luxurious accommodation for wedding guests, intimate pre-wedding celebrations and curated experiences for family and friends. Together with the resort's elegant wedding venues, the lodge aims to create memorable celebrations that extend beyond the wedding day into a complete destination experience surrounded by nature.
The partnership marks a significant milestone for Forest Hill Resort as it strengthens its position as a leading destination for nature-inspired stays, celebrations and hospitality in the region.
For The Ultimate Travelling Camp (TUTC), which is known for creating luxury stays across some of India's most remarkable destinations, FHR Wilderness Lodge will add a distinctive wilderness retreat near Chandigarh to its growing portfolio.
Blending refined luxury with immersive outdoor experiences, FHR Wilderness Lodge is set to offer travellers a unique way to reconnect with nature while enjoying the comfort and personalised service that define both TUTC and Forest Hill Resort.
Published on August 4, 2026
Radisson Hotel Group is strengthening its long-term growth strategy in India, with plans to reach 500 hotels by 2030 by expanding across emerging urban centres, regional towns, leisure destinations and religious tourism hubs. The company believes India's growing domestic travel market and rising investor confidence will continue to drive its next phase of expansion.
Speaking about the group's growth plans, Nikhil Sharma, Managing Director & COO, South Asia, said India has become one of Radisson Hotel Group's key global growth markets.
"Without question. India has evolved from being an important market to becoming one of Radisson Hotel Group's strategic growth engines globally."
Highlighting the company's progress, Sharma said Radisson signed 18 hotels and opened four new properties during the first half of 2026. This has taken its development pipeline to 98 hotels, while its operational portfolio now stands at 142 hotels across 86 cities.
Over the next two years, the company will focus on three major priorities—accelerating the conversion of its existing hotel pipeline into operational properties, expanding further into Tier II, III and IV markets, and diversifying its portfolio across business destinations, leisure locations and religious tourism centres.
Sharma said Radisson's expansion strategy now extends well beyond India's traditional metro cities. The group is strengthening its presence in emerging commercial and industrial centres such as Rajkot and Jamshedpur, gateway destinations like Siliguri, leisure markets including Kasauli and Gopalpur, and fast-growing spiritual destinations such as Nathdwara and Prayagraj.
According to Sharma, more than half of Radisson's portfolio in India is already located in Tier II and III cities, giving the company a strong position as travel demand continues to grow beyond major metropolitan markets such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad.
On the company's development strategy, Sharma said Radisson will continue with its asset-light model, with management contracts remaining its preferred approach. He added that hotel conversions are becoming an increasingly important part of the group's expansion strategy.
"Conversions allow us to bring quality inventory to market much faster while creating value for owners." Alongside conversions, Radisson will continue to pursue greenfield developments in destinations where branded hotel supply is still developing, evaluating each project based on long-term demand, owner capability and its strategic value to the network.
Addressing concerns around geopolitical tensions in West Asia and rising aviation costs, Sharma said the company has not seen any significant impact on bookings across its portfolio.
"At this stage, we are closely monitoring the situation, but we have not seen any significant impact on overall booking trends across our portfolio." He noted that India's hospitality sector remains well supported by strong domestic travel demand.
Sharma also reiterated the industry's call for policy reforms to support hotel development, including wider implementation of infrastructure status across states and streamlined single-window clearance systems to improve project viability and reduce approval timelines.
He identified Odisha, Jharkhand, Assam, Meghalaya, West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh as key growth markets, driven by better air connectivity, expanding highway infrastructure and increasing government investment.
"The next phase of hospitality growth will increasingly be driven by these emerging destinations rather than the traditional gateway metros." On the overall market outlook, Sharma described the current performance of India's hospitality sector as a healthy correction following the exceptional post-pandemic period.
"We would describe it as a healthy normalisation rather than a slowdown." He also dismissed concerns over a structural decline in corporate travel, stating that businesses are becoming more focused on value and productivity rather than reducing travel altogether.
"Companies are certainly becoming more disciplined in how they travel, but they are not travelling less. What has changed is that travel decisions today are more outcome-driven, with greater emphasis on productivity, flexibility and value."
Looking ahead, Sharma believes the biggest growth opportunities for the hospitality sector lie in the convergence of MICE, destination weddings and religious tourism, which continue to drive demand across emerging destinations in India.
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