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.

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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.


Treat Hotels & Resorts Signs New 132-Key Resort in Sangamner, Maharashtra

Treat Hotels & Resorts Signs New 132-Key Resort in Sangamner, Maharashtra

By Hariharan U

Published on September 1, 2026

Treat Hotels & Resorts has announced the signing of a new resort in Sangamner, Maharashtra, under a management agreement with Malpani Group, further expanding its presence across the Indian hospitality market.

Scheduled to become operational in 2028, the upcoming resort will be designed as a destination for leisure stays, celebrations and social gatherings, with a range of accommodation, dining and recreational facilities.

The property will feature 132 elegantly designed guest rooms, along with multiple ballrooms and banquet spaces designed to cater to weddings, celebrations, corporate events and other gatherings.

The resort will also include multiple lawns, a fine-dining restaurant and bar, and a selection of recreational activities, creating an integrated hospitality offering for both leisure and event-driven travel.

The Sangamner signing marks another milestone in Treat Hotels & Resorts' expansion strategy. With the addition of the new resort, Sangamner will become the company's seventh property in Maharashtra and its 21st property across India.

The company said its entry into Sangamner reflects its broader objective of bringing its hospitality offering to emerging destinations across the country.

Sangamner has a diverse economic profile shaped by agriculture, education and a growing business landscape, providing a mix of potential leisure, social and business demand for the upcoming property.

The resort is expected to serve as a hospitality destination for travellers visiting Sangamner as well as residents seeking spaces for celebrations, dining and recreation.

The partnership with Malpani Group further strengthens Treat Hotels & Resorts' development pipeline and supports its strategy of expanding through management agreements across India.

With the new resort, Treat Hotels & Resorts aims to establish a presence in Sangamner while offering guests its signature approach to hospitality through comfortable stays, dining experiences, celebrations and leisure facilities.

The development adds to the brand's growing portfolio and reinforces its ambition to expand its footprint across established and emerging markets in India.


Taj Enters Luxury Branded Villa Segment with Taj Mount Kusur in Lonavala

Taj Enters Luxury Branded Villa Segment with Taj Mount Kusur in Lonavala

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 31, 2026

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) has entered the luxury branded villa segment with the launch of Taj Mount Kusur Resort and Villas in Lonavala, Maharashtra. Developed in partnership with Amavi, India’s only hospitality-backed real estate brand, the project brings Taj’s luxury hospitality offering into a new category of branded residences.

Spread across a 34-acre estate in the Western Ghats, Taj Mount Kusur Resort and Villas will feature 32 branded villas alongside a 100-key Taj resort. The development offers views of the surrounding lake and valley and is designed to bring together luxury living, nature and Taj hospitality.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, IHCL, said, “For over a century, Taj has defined luxury hospitality through its grand palaces, landmark city hotels, safaris and residences. Recognised as the World's Strongest Luxury Hotel Brand and India's Strongest Brand, Taj continues to strengthen its position at the forefront of the luxury hospitality sector. The launch of Taj Mount Kusur Resort & Villas marks our entry into the branded villa segment, broadening our portfolio to address evolving consumer preferences while bringing the trust, service excellence and legacy of the brand to a new category of luxury real estate.”

The villas take inspiration from contemporary barn-style architecture, with expansive glass façades and spacious verandahs that connect the homes with the surrounding landscape.

A key feature of the development is the two-acre Wabi-Sabi Central Park, inspired by the Japanese philosophy of simplicity and harmony with nature. The wider project will include a Miyawaki forest, nature trails, zen gardens, stargazing decks, golf putting greens, a fitness lawn and multi-purpose sports courts.

Residents will also have access to Club Amavi, which will offer wellness and recreation facilities along with banquet and dining spaces.

The branded villas will be offered for sale through a lease-back programme, with the villas integrated into the resort inventory. Owners will have access to Taj hospitality services including concierge assistance, housekeeping and maintenance, along with the leisure and wellness facilities available at the resort.

Mr. Apurv Kumar, Managing Director, Clarks Group of Hotels and Founder, Amavi, said, “Second homes are bought to create more time, time with family, time in nature and time for oneself. Yet too often, they become another responsibility. At Amavi, our purpose is to change that. Taj Mount Kusur Resort and Villas brings together the privacy and permanence of a home with the care and service of Taj hospitality. Rooted in the Western Ghats, it also reflects our belief that meaningful development must respect the land and create value for the communities around it. We want Mount Kusur to be not merely a property people own, but a place they return to, belong to and come to.”

The development is also designed around low-density planning, integrated amenities and professionally managed services, giving homeowners the privacy of villa ownership along with the convenience of a luxury resort.

Mr. Sachin Agrawal and Mr. Bajrang Bararia, Founders, Amavi, said, “With Taj Mount Kusur Resort and Villas, Amavi has sought to create a residential offering that combines design, nature and hospitality. Luxury consumers today are increasingly seeking experiences that combine the privacy of a second home with the services and assurance of a hospitality brand. The project's low-density planning, integrated amenities and professionally managed services are intended to provide homeowners with the privacy of villa ownership and the convenience of a luxury resort. Amavi is pleased to partner with IHCL in bringing this vision to life under the Taj brand.”

Located between Mumbai and Pune, Lonavala is an established leisure destination known for its valleys, lakes and waterfalls. Its connectivity and natural setting have made it popular among leisure travellers, wellness seekers and second-home buyers.

The Taj Mount Kusur project brings together this established destination appeal with branded villa ownership and hotel services, marking a new direction for Taj as it expands its luxury portfolio.


The Fern Hotels & Resorts Launches The Fern Residency Godhra

The Fern Hotels & Resorts Launches The Fern Residency Godhra

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 31, 2026

The Fern Hotels & Resorts has announced the launch of The Fern Residency Godhra, Series by Marriott, further expanding its presence across Gujarat. The new property marks the group's 40th operational property in the state, strengthening its network across the region.

Located on Dahod Road Highway, the hotel has been designed to offer contemporary comforts, modern facilities and convenient connectivity for both business and leisure travellers visiting Godhra. The property features 64 rooms and suites, equipped with modern amenities for a comfortable stay. Dining is led by Cinnamon, an all-day dining, multi-cuisine pure vegetarian restaurant serving a mix of local and global dishes, along with beverages, snacks and savouries.

Cinnamon is open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., while guests can also access 24-hour in-room dining with a selection of meals, snacks and beverages. The hotel also features Crystal Hall, Grand Ball Room, Utsav Lawn and a dedicated meeting room. These spaces make the property suitable for corporate events, conferences, weddings, social gatherings and other special occasions.

Commenting on the launch, Suhail Kannampilly, chairman & managing director, The Fern Hotels & Resorts, said, “Gujarat continues to present significant opportunities for the hospitality sector, driven by its growing business ecosystem, improving connectivity and the increasing movement of both business and leisure travellers across emerging destinations. With the launch of The Fern Residency Godhra, Series by Marriott, we are delighted to further strengthen our presence in the state while bringing our signature hospitality, contemporary comforts and high-quality service to the city. The property has been thoughtfully designed to cater to the evolving needs of today’s travellers. This launch reflects our continued commitment to expanding into high-potential markets and creating meaningful hospitality experiences for travellers across India.”

Bhavesh Shah, partner, Shree Hospitality, said, “We are delighted to partner with The Fern Hotels & Resorts to introduce The Fern Residency Godhra, Series by Marriott. Our vision has been to create a hospitality destination that brings together contemporary comfort, modern facilities and warm, personalised service for guests visiting Godhra. We look forward to establishing the hotel as a preferred choice for business travellers, families, weddings and social celebrations while contributing to the region’s growing hospitality landscape.”

The hotel is approximately 65 km from Vadodara Airport, 6 km from Godhra Railway Station and 7 km from the City Centre Bus Stand, providing convenient access for travellers arriving in the city. As a Series by Marriott partner hotel, guests staying at the property can also access benefits through Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International's travel programme.

With its combination of accommodation, dining and event facilities, The Fern Residency Godhra, Series by Marriott adds another property to The Fern Hotels & Resorts' growing Gujarat portfolio while catering to the city's business, social and leisure demand.

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