Tag: IHCL

Business

IHCL Makes History with India’s First Sound Mark Registration for Iconic Taj Brand

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Business Desk

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality company, has achieved a historic first by securing trademark registration for the Taj sonic sound, making it the first sound mark registered in the Indian hospitality sector. This milestone marks a significant evolution in how hospitality brands protect and express their identity.

Commenting on the development, Rajendra Misra, Executive Vice President and General Counsel, IHCL, said that being recognised as the world’s strongest hotel brand comes with the responsibility to lead in all facets, including brand equity protection. He added that the sound mark registration reinforces IHCL’s pioneering role in intellectual property and aligns with the evolving ways in which guests engage with brands.

The registration legally protects Taj’s distinctive sonic identity, recognising sound as a core brand asset. In today’s experience-driven marketplace, sonic branding plays a critical role in shaping emotional memory, strengthening recall, and building trust beyond visual elements. As hospitality brands move towards immersive, multi-sensory experiences, sound has emerged as a vital touchpoint for emotional connection.

Earlier, Taj had also secured trademark protection for the three-dimensional shape of the Taj Mahal Hotel, Bombay, reflecting a long-standing commitment to safeguarding unique elements of its heritage through progressive intellectual property strategies.

IHCL was represented in this matter by Fidus Law Chambers, led by Managing Partner Shwetasree Majumder, along with Partner Astha Negi and Senior Associate Umang Gola. The achievement further cements IHCL’s position as a leader in innovation, legacy protection, and brand stewardship within the Indian hospitality industry.

Business

IHCL’s Ginger Collaborates with Asian Paints Royale Play to Redefine Design-Led Hospitality

Tanisha Cardozo

In a milestone collaboration for India’s hospitality and design landscape, Ginger, the lean luxe brand by The Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), has partnered with Asian Paints, the nation’s leader in décor and design innovation, to unveil a one-of-a-kind design transformation at Ginger Goa, Candolim.

Together, the brands have reimagined an entire floor of the hotel, featuring eight uniquely designed rooms under the theme A Royale Touch. Each space is a visual and tactile experience brought to life with Asian Paints Royale Play textures from the Italian collection, renowned for their artistry and craftsmanship.

From calming dune formations in the Canvas Dune and Corolla Curve suites to the refined finish of Marmorino Multitone along the corridors, every surface has been curated to evoke emotion and enhance the guest journey. Finishes like Calcecruda Mirror Stucco Paladeo Tile and Royale Glitz Reserve luxury emulsion add depth, sheen, and resilience — making each room both functional and visually stunning.

The collaboration reflects Ginger’s evolving design philosophy, which harmonizes comfort and creativity. By blending Asian Paints’ expertise in colour and texture with Ginger’s approach to lean luxury, the project introduces a new era of experiential hospitality that appeals to modern travellers seeking design with meaning.

Each of the eight rooms tells its own design story, inspired by natural elements and artisanal techniques. Walls become canvases, textures evoke emotion, and every detail invites guests to slow down and experience art in its most intimate form.

Guests can now book these specially designed rooms directly through the Ginger website.

Business

IHCL Hits 250+ Hotels Milestone with 46 Signings & 26 New Openings in H1 FY2026

Tanisha Cardozo

Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), the country’s leading hospitality player, has delivered a sterling performance in the first half of FY2026—securing 46 new signings and launching 26 hotels across India. Among these are 14 properties added through marketing and distribution partnerships with Brij Hospitality and Clarks Group of Hotels. This growth accelerates IHCL’s trajectory toward its Accelerate 2030 vision and pushes its portfolio past the 250‑hotel mark, with over 25,500 rooms currently in operation in India.

Underlining the growing demand in the mid‑scale to upscale segments, a significant portion of the new signings fall under IHCL’s Gateway, Tree of Life, and Ginger brands. Framework agreements with Ambuja Neotia (for Taj, SeleQtions, Tree of Life) and Madison (for Ginger in South India) further boost the pipeline.

IHCL’s footprint expanded geographically too: new Taj hotels were signed in locations such as Darjeeling, ECR Chennai, Puducherry, Mohali, and even Kruger National Park in South Africa. Meanwhile, new openings and onboarding included Taj properties in Alibaug and Raichak; SeleQtions resorts in Lakshadweep; Vivanta in Thane; a fourth Taj property in Udaipur (Taj Lalit Bagh); Gateway hotels in Coorg and Ahmedabad; a second SeleQtions in Haridwar; and a Ginger in Dehradun.

With over 250 hotels now operating in India and a consistent stream of new projects in the pipeline (totaling 302 globally across 4 continents), IHCL is strongly positioned to lead the next wave of growth in Indian and global hospitality. The company, rooted in the legacy of The Taj Mahal Palace since 1903, continues to blend warm Indian hospitality with world-class service across its brand portfolio including Taj, Claridges Collection, SeleQtions, Tree of Life, Vivanta, Gateway, and Ginger.

Stay tuned as IHCL pushes forward on its mission to create a portfolio of 700 hotels by 2030—bringing new experiences, markets, and stories to life across India and beyond.

Business

Reimagined Gateway Brand Marks One Year with the Launch of Gateway Goa, Palolem

allycaralgoa

MUMBAI, August 14, 2025: The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality company, announced the opening of Gateway Goa, Palolem, marking the company’s 250th operating hotel and a significant milestone for the reimagined Gateway brand.

Ms. Leah Tata, Vice President & Brand Leader, Gateway Hotels & Resorts, IHCL, said:
“The opening of Gateway Goa, Palolem celebrates one year of the brand’s journey with a portfolio of 36 hotels. Reimagined to serve as a true gateway to the destination, Gateway hotels offer guests an immersive experience rooted in the local culture and heritage. This launch strengthens our presence in the segment with its entry in India’s top leisure destination.”

Nestled between the Arabian Sea and Western Ghats, the 160-key property provides panoramic views of Rajbagh, Patnem, and Colomb beaches. Guests can enjoy curated dining with Trophé, serving zesty cocktails in a vibrant tropical setting, and 74 NE, Canacona’s only rooftop bistro offering herb-infused grills and global flavours with stunning 180° views. The property also features a spa with wellness therapies, a fully equipped gym, a swimming pool, and versatile venues for social and corporate events.

Mr. Ronald Menezes, General Manager, Gateway Goa, Palolem, added:
“Gateway Goa, Palolem reflects the spirit of the destination. We look forward to welcoming guests to a new address in South Goa for social celebrations and corporate events.”

Beyond its luxurious amenities, the hotel curates authentic Goan experiences, including feni-making traditions, kayaking, and turtle spotting.

With this addition, IHCL now has 19 hotels in Goa, including 5 under development.

Business

IHCL Expands Portfolio to 550+ Hotels with Strategic Partnerships in India

allycaralgoa

NEW DELHI, August 12, 2025 — The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality company and part of the Tata Group, has entered into a strategic partnership to acquire controlling stakes in ANK Hotels Pvt Ltd and Pride Hospitality Pvt Ltd, and signed a distribution agreement with Brij Hospitality Pvt Ltd.

This move marks a significant milestone for IHCL, increasing its portfolio to 550+ hotels with over 55,000 rooms. It also doubles its midscale presence to 240+ hotels, while adding 19 boutique leisure hotels under Brij Hospitality to its diverse brandscape.

A Multi-Pronged Growth Strategy
Mr. Puneet Chhatwal, MD & CEO of IHCL, described the partnerships as a response to India’s robust hospitality demand and aligned with the company’s Accelerate 2030 vision to unlock India’s tourism potential. ANK Hotels and Pride Hospitality, operated under The Clarks Hotels & Resorts, will be integrated into IHCL’s portfolio predominantly under the Ginger brand. Brij Hotels, known for immersive experiences in cultural and heritage-rich locations, will expand IHCL’s presence in the experiential luxury segment.

Financials & Operations
IHCL will fund the investment through internal accruals, reflecting its strong cash flows. The acquired hotels are largely under capital-light models like management contracts and select operating leases. Key leadership from ANK, Pride, and Brij will continue to oversee operations, ensuring business continuity.

Legacy & Future Vision
The partnership unites over 200 years of collective hospitality legacy between IHCL and the Clarks Hotels family. Together, they aim to strengthen India’s position on the global tourism map, blending IHCL’s century-old heritage with Brij’s deeply local, experiential approach.

With this deal, IHCL is not only scaling up but also reinforcing its commitment to sustainable, community-driven, and culturally rooted hospitality.