Galeries Lafayette Haussmann Revolutionizes Customer Experience with UPI Payments

Galeries Lafayette Haussmann Revolutionizes Customer Experience with UPI Payments

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.

image

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.


Accor to Make Uttarakhand Debut with Novotel Jim Corbett Chhoi

Accor to Make Uttarakhand Debut with Novotel Jim Corbett Chhoi

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 11, 2026

Accor has announced the signing of Novotel Jim Corbett Chhoi, marking the hospitality group's entry into Uttarakhand. Scheduled to open in 2029, the 150-key hotel will bring the Novotel brand to the Kumaon region, adding to Accor's presence across India's leisure destinations.

Located at the foothills of the Himalayas, the property will introduce Novotel's Longevity Everyday philosophy, which encourages guests to make small, positive choices that support longer, fuller and happier lives. Designed for families and business travellers, the hotel aims to combine wellbeing, meaningful connections and contemporary hospitality in the natural surroundings of Jim Corbett.

The hotel will feature elegantly appointed rooms and suites, each with a balcony overlooking the surrounding landscapes. Its facilities will include an all-day dining restaurant, a specialty restaurant and a bar. The property will also offer 600 square metres of banquet and meeting space for social occasions and corporate gatherings.

Additional facilities will include a spa, fitness centre and swimming pool, along with versatile spaces for family holidays, leisure getaways and group gatherings.

Jim Corbett is known for its rich biodiversity and outdoor activities, including jeep safaris, bird watching, nature trails, river rafting and forest camping. Nearby attractions include the Kosi River, Corbett Falls and Garjiya Devi Temple, along with wildlife zones such as Bijrani, Jhirna and Dhela. The destination's mix of nature, adventure and relaxation makes it a popular setting for leisure travel.

Ranju Alex, CEO, India & South Asia, Accor, said, “We are pleased to bring Accor to Jim Corbett, home to India’s iconic national park. Novotel is a natural fit for this destination, particularly for families and travellers looking to reconnect in nature and spend quality time together. Through its Longevity Everyday philosophy, the brand encourages small, meaningful choices that support long-term wellbeing, from eating well and staying active to enjoying restorative sleep and meaningful connections. We look forward to bringing this philosophy to life in a setting that naturally lends itself to relaxation, discovery and shared experiences.”

Alok Goel, Founder & Promoter, Shri Sankatamochanaya Hospitality Pvt. Ltd., said, “We are delighted to partner with Accor to bring Novotel Jim Corbett Chhoi to life. Our vision is to create a leading hospitality destination in the region, offering guests distinctive experiences that complement the natural appeal of Jim Corbett. With Novotel’s established brand strength and focus on family-friendly hospitality and well-being, we look forward to welcoming leisure travellers and hosting memorable gatherings.”

The signing marks another step in Accor's expansion across India's leisure markets. With its planned opening in 2029, Novotel Jim Corbett Chhoi will add a new hospitality destination to Uttarakhand's Kumaon region, bringing together accommodation, wellness, dining and event facilities.


Tivoli Hospitality Group to Launch Midori by Tivoli in Chhatarpur

Tivoli Hospitality Group to Launch Midori by Tivoli in Chhatarpur

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 10, 2026

Tivoli Hospitality Group is set to expand its presence in Chhatarpur, South Delhi, with the launch of Midori by Tivoli on November 13, 2026. Located in the same vicinity as its existing property, The Tivoli Hotel, the new luxury destination will feature premium accommodation, large banquet venues, landscaped outdoor spaces and leisure facilities.

Spread across approximately three acres, Midori has been designed to cater to the growing demand for destination-style weddings, social celebrations, MICE, corporate events and leisure stays across Delhi-NCR. The property will bring together event spaces, luxury rooms and personalised hospitality services, with a focus on offering a hotel-led approach to celebrations.

The launch is part of Tivoli's strategy to strengthen its position in the luxury leisure, accommodation and events segment. Chhatarpur offers a strategic location for this expansion, supported by its established wedding market, premium catchment across South Delhi, Gurugram and Noida, and connectivity through MG Road and the airport.

Commenting on the launch,  Akshay Gupta, Executive Director, Tivoli Hospitality Group, said, "Chhatarpur has emerged as one of Delhi-NCR's prominent luxury wedding and hospitality destinations. Our successful presence through The Tivoli Hotel has given us a strong understanding of the market's potential. With Midori, we are taking our presence forward through a distinctly different proposition.

It is also the vision of my father, Rohit Gupta, Chairman of Tivoli Hospitality Group, to continually build differentiated hospitality destinations that evolve with changing consumer expectations. Midori reflects that vision by bringing together luxury accommodation, expansive celebration spaces, leisure experiences and hotel-led services. Our aim is to create a destination that caters to the growing appetite for larger, more elaborate celebrations while offering guests a premium hospitality experience."

The property features two main event venues designed for celebrations of different scales. Avalon, spread across 15,000 sq. ft., is an indoor venue suited to weddings, receptions, social functions and corporate gatherings. The Glass House, spanning 27,000 sq. ft., includes a 19,000 sq. ft. landscaped lawn, bringing together indoor and outdoor spaces for large-scale celebrations.

Both venues feature triple-height ceilings, allowing space for elaborate décor, lighting concepts and event installations. The Glass House also offers climate-controlled interiors, enhanced acoustics, natural light and all-season functionality, making it suitable for different event formats.

Speaking about the property's design and event infrastructure, Mr Ishan Gupta, Director, Tivoli Hospitality Group, said, "We wanted Midori to offer more than conventional banquet infrastructure. Avalon and the Glass House have been designed with distinct architectural identities and celebration experiences. Avalon offers the grandeur of a premium indoor event space, while the Glass House brings together expansive indoor and outdoor settings. The triple-height ceilings and flexible layouts allow event planners to explore elaborate décor concepts, bespoke installations and large-format celebrations. We have also reimagined the glass-house format with climate-controlled interiors and all-season functionality, ensuring that aesthetics and practicality go hand in hand."

Midori will also feature premium rooms and bridal suites for wedding parties and leisure guests. While the property has been developed with a strong focus on celebrations, it will also cater to travellers looking for an upscale stay. Although located close to The Tivoli Hotel, Midori will operate as a distinct property with its own accommodation and event facilities.

Its architectural and interior design will follow a contemporary luxury approach, with clean lines, natural light, greenery, warm neutral tones and timeless detailing. The design aims to balance aesthetics and functionality while offering a comfortable setting for different occasions.

Food and beverage services will be an important part of the property's event offerings. Midori will provide dedicated catering arrangements, customised menus and curated culinary experiences for weddings, social celebrations and corporate gatherings. Rather than operating as a standalone restaurant destination, its food and beverage services will be integrated into the overall event experience.

Aryaman Gupta, Director, Tivoli Hospitality Group, added, "Today's wedding and events market is increasingly looking for destinations that deliver an integrated experience, from accommodation and food to event design and hospitality. Midori has been developed keeping these evolving expectations in mind. Our focus is on customised culinary experiences, flexible event formats and personalised services that can cater to everything from intimate social functions to elaborate weddings and corporate gatherings. We want to offer event organisers and guests the flexibility to create celebrations that reflect their individual preferences, supported by well-designed spaces and professional hospitality."

The launch of Midori by Tivoli marks another step in Tivoli Hospitality Group's expansion across North India. With 15 operational projects and another 10 in its development pipeline, the group continues to strengthen its presence in luxury hospitality, weddings, MICE and large-format celebrations. Scheduled to open on November 13, 2026, Midori by Tivoli will add another luxury hospitality destination to Chhatarpur's growing wedding and events market.


Express Inn Hotels & Resorts Opens Heritage Property in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

Express Inn Hotels & Resorts Opens Heritage Property in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 10, 2026

Express Inn Hotels & Resorts has launched Express Inn Heritage, a five-star hotel in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra. Designed to offer comfort, elegance and modern facilities, the property brings together accommodation, dining, celebrations and business event spaces under one roof.

The hotel features 155 spacious rooms, including a Presidential Suite and exclusive Enclave Suites. The accommodation options are designed to offer guests a comfortable stay with modern facilities. Dining experiences at the property include Aster, the all-day dining restaurant, LBS, the Lounge Bar, and Boulangerie, a café. These outlets offer guests different settings to enjoy meals, drinks and relaxed moments during their stay.

For weddings, receptions and corporate gatherings, Express Inn Heritage offers six banquet and conference halls. The hotel's event spaces are designed to cater to different celebration and business requirements, including grand weddings and other social functions. The property also features a range of lifestyle and recreational facilities, including a spa, salon, gymnasium, game zone and swimming pool. These amenities add to the overall guest experience, offering options for relaxation, fitness and recreation.

With its accommodation, multiple dining outlets, banquet facilities and lifestyle amenities, Express Inn Heritage adds a new hospitality offering to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, catering to leisure travellers, business guests and those planning weddings and events.

Property Address:

  • Hotel Express Inn Heritage, Jalna Road, Opposite Cambridge School, Sundarwadi, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar – 431007, Maharashtra.

Stay up-to-date with the latest Hospitality news and trends in the Hospitality industry!

Subscribe to Hospitality news e-magazine for free and never miss an issue.

By clicking subscribe for free you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.

Advertise With Us

We have various options to advertise with us including Events, Advertorials, Banners, Mailers, etc.