Tag: IHCL

Business

IHCL Adds 15 Hotels to Portfolio, Strengthens Eastern India Presence

Tanisha Cardozo

Mumbai, July 21, 2025 – India’s largest hospitality brand, The Indian Hotels Company Ltd. (IHCL), has announced a significant expansion by signing a strategic agreement with Ambuja Neotia Group for the development of 15 new hotels, marking a major milestone in their longstanding collaboration, which now spans over 40 properties.

This move is aimed at unlocking the vast tourism potential of Eastern and North Eastern India, focusing particularly on West Bengal, Sikkim, and Himachal Pradesh—regions known for their natural beauty and cultural richness.

“IHCL’s pioneering legacy of destination creation now extends to the East and North East. We are delighted to grow our partnership with Ambuja Neotia, whose developments reflect the spirit of the region,” said Puneet Chhatwal, MD & CEO, IHCL.

The new properties will include a mix of Taj, SeleQtions, Tree of Life, Gateway, and Ginger brands, catering to a broad range of travelers—from luxury to upscale and experiential segments. These hotels will be located in scenic and emerging tourist destinations like Darjeeling, Lataguri, Sunderban, Rabong (Sikkim), Siliguri, Shimla, and Raichak.

“This is a testament to the strength of our collaboration. With Taj being named the World’s Strongest Hotel Brand, these destinations will gain visibility on the global tourism map,” said Harshavardhan Neotia, Chairman, Ambuja Neotia Group.

🏨 New Hotels Overview:

BrandDestinations
Taj Resorts & VillasDarjeeling, Lataguri, Sunderban, Rabong, Shimla, Raichak
SeleQtionsKolkata (2), Siliguri, Raichak, Digha
Tree of LifeLataguri, Ramgarh
GatewaySiliguri
GingerHaldia

📌 IHCL Portfolio Snapshot

Current Operating Hotels (Select):

  • Taj: Chia Kutir (Darjeeling), Guras Kutir (Gangtok), Taal Kutir & City Centre (Kolkata)
  • SeleQtions: Raajkutir (Kolkata)
  • Tree of Life: Present in Agra, Corbett, Jaipur, Varanasi, Srinagar, Gangtok, and more

Upcoming Projects:

  • Taj Ganga Kutir (Raichak)
  • Tree of Life: Sirmaur, Naldehra, Shivpuri

🏢 About the Partners

IHCL (Indian Hotels Company Ltd.)
A Tata Group company, IHCL operates iconic hospitality brands including Taj, SeleQtions, Tree of Life, Vivanta, Ginger, and the Claridges Collection. With over 400 hotels in 14 countries, IHCL leads India’s hospitality sector with a strong commitment to sustainability and destination creation.

Ambuja Neotia Group
Based in Kolkata, Ambuja Neotia is a diversified conglomerate with interests in real estate, hospitality, education, and healthcare. Notable projects include City Centre malls, Raichak on Ganges, and Neotia Bhagirathi hospitals.

National

IHCL, Indian Army & REACHA Launch Youth Skill Centre in Uri on World Youth Skills Day

Tanisha Cardozo

MUMBAI, JULY 15, 2025 – On the occasion of World Youth Skills Day, the Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), in collaboration with the Indian Army and REACHA (Research & Extension Association for Conservation Horticulture and Agro-Forestry), launched a Skill Development Centre in Uri, Jammu & Kashmir. This initiative is a significant step toward empowering local youth with job-ready skills and sustainable livelihood options.

The newly launched centre will offer two vocational training programs:

  • Bakery
  • Fashion Designing (Weaving)

These programs are tailored to help participants become either employable in hospitality and retail sectors or begin their own entrepreneurial ventures.

A Purpose-Driven Partnership

Mr. Gaurav Pokhariyal, Executive Vice President – Human Resources, IHCL, stated:

“Guided by our ESG+ framework Paathya, IHCL is committed to training 1,00,000 youth by 2030. The skill centre in Uri reflects our deep commitment to inclusive development, especially in regions with tourism potential.”

Brig Manish Sehgal (VSM), Commander 12 Inf Bde, Dagger Division, added:

“We believe in nurturing the community for lasting peace and development. This centre is a testament to collaborative nation-building.”

Mr. Nikhil Pant, Chairman & CEO of REACHA, highlighted:

“Our long-standing partnership with IHCL and the Indian Army continues to bring real change to the lives of youth in J&K.”

Scaling Impact Across Jammu & Kashmir

IHCL and REACHA have already established successful hospitality skill training centres in Kupwara and Buniyar. With Uri added, the collective initiative is set to train approximately 550 youth across J&K by 2026, fostering self-reliance, community upliftment, and employment.

This initiative aligns with India’s national goals for skilling, entrepreneurship, and sustainable regional development — serving as a blueprint for impactful public-private-community partnerships.

National

Taj Reclaims Crown as World’s Strongest Hotel Brand in 2025 by Brand Finance

allycaralgoa

MUMBAI, July 11, 2025: India’s premier hospitality brand Taj, owned by the Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), has once again made the country proud. For the fourth time, Taj has been declared the World’s Strongest Hotel Brand by Brand Finance UK in its annual Hotels 50 Report (2025).

With an impressive Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 92.2 out of 100, Taj outshines top global competitors. It achieved perfect 10s in brand knowledge and customer selection in its home market, and boasts 97% awareness, 91% familiarity, and a 38% preference score in India — solidifying its stature as a trusted brand in luxury hospitality.

In response to the announcement, Mr. Puneet Chhatwal, MD & CEO of IHCL, stated:

“The dual honour of Taj being ranked as India’s Strongest Brand across sectors and World’s Strongest Hotel Brand in 2025 underscores Taj’s position as a global icon of hospitality. Taj is not just a brand; it’s an enduring emotion driven by trust, legacy, and a commitment to responsible change.”

Mr. Dave Haigh, Founder and CEO of Brand Finance, echoed similar sentiments, calling Taj’s consistency and brand responsibility “testament to its legacy and leadership in luxury hospitality.”

The report recognises Taj’s ability to deliver an exceptional and consistent guest experience while embracing ESG goals through IHCL’s Paathya framework — a commitment to sustainability and inclusive growth.

The Taj brand currently includes 134+ hotels across 14 countries, spanning palaces, safari lodges, city landmarks, and resorts, reflecting the richness and versatility of Indian hospitality.

As Taj continues its strategic global expansion, this recognition reiterates the company’s vision to bring Indian warmth and world-class excellence to key cities across the globe.

This milestone reaffirms Taj’s global standing and reinforces India’s rising stature in the international hospitality landscape.

Business

IHCL Signs Vivanta Hotel in Anjuna, Expanding Its Presence in Goa

allycaralgoa

Mumbai, July 03, 2025: In a major development for Goa’s hospitality landscape, the Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) — India’s largest and most iconic hospitality group — has announced the signing of a new greenfield project in Anjuna, which will be branded under its Vivanta portfolio.

The project marks another milestone in IHCL’s strategy to deepen its footprint in premier leisure destinations and strengthen its portfolio of upscale hotels across India.

Ms. Suma Venkatesh, Executive Vice President – Real Estate & Development at IHCL, stated:

“IHCL has been at the forefront of pioneering destinations and has played a defining role in putting Goa on the global tourism map for over five decades. This signing is in line with our strategy to expand IHCL’s presence across segments in key leisure markets. We are delighted to strengthen our partnership with Fiesta Hotels with this new project.”

Strategic Location & Features

Located in the heart of Anjuna, known for its vibrant beach life, eclectic markets, and rich cultural experiences, the 110-key Vivanta Anjuna, Goa, will offer an elevated stay experience with:

  • An all-day dining restaurant
  • A chic bar
  • A luxurious swimming pool
  • Fully equipped gym
  • Modern, versatile conference and event facilities

Mr. Ravinder Kumar, Director at Fiesta Hotels Pvt. Ltd., added:

“We are proud to collaborate with IHCL through the addition of our second hotel in Goa. It stands as a testament to our shared vision to deliver exceptional experiences in one of India’s most cherished destinations.”

Goa – A Timeless Destination

Famed for its sun-kissed beaches, Portuguese-era architecture, and lively culinary and music culture, Goa remains India’s premier coastal destination. IHCL’s deep-rooted presence in the region has not only boosted tourism but also helped preserve and celebrate Goa’s unique cultural identity.

With this latest addition, IHCL now has 18 hotels in Goa, including 5 under development, reinforcing its commitment to India’s hospitality excellence and regional development.

Business

TAJ IS INDIA’S STRONGEST BRAND 2025, MARKING FOUR CONSECUTIVE YEARS As Per Brand Finance’s ‘India 100 2025’ report

allycaralgoa

MUMBAI, JUNE 26, 2025: Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality company, announces that its iconic brand Taj is once again India’s Strongest Brand across sectors on Brand Finance’s coveted ‘India 100 2025’ report. This marks the fourth consecutive year the brand has achieved this distinction.

Mr. Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, IHCL, said, “We are honoured that Taj is India’s Strongest Brand across sectors, for the fifth time and four years in succession. This recognition reaffirms the deep trust and emotional connect Taj has with its stakeholders including our guests, partners and its dedicated team delivering the quintessential Tajness.”

He added, “Guided by its purpose of pioneering responsible change, creating value and shaping the future, Taj remains committed to unlocking India’s tourism potential and showcasing Indian hospitality to the world.”

As per Brand Finance’s ‘India 100 2025’ report, Taj’s brand value up by 22% to USD664 million has retained its position as India’s strongest brand ranked for the fourth consecutive year, with a Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 92.2/100 and an AAA+ brand strength rating. Brand Finance’s market research highlights its exceptional familiarity and appeal, with most respondents from its home market naming it their preferred hotel brand, underscoring Taj’s enduring trust and influence in the market. The brand’s continued growth is underpinned by domestic asset light increased footprint across hospitality segments, strategic international expansion, with new properties launched or currently in development across Saudi Arabia, London, and the Maldives.

Mr. Ajimon Francis, Managing Director, Brand Finance India said, “Taj’s recognition as India’s Strongest Brand across sectors—now for the fourth time—reflects the timeless power of its legacy, its deep emotional resonance with consumers and its unwavering commitment to excellence. Its focused, asset-light and segmented expansion strategy coupled with powerful brand strength continues to accelerate brand value creation too. Taj continues to be a shining example of how heritage and innovation can together create lasting brand strength – a true flag bearer of Indian pride.”
The iconic brand Taj has a portfolio of over 130 hotels across 14 countries offering varied experiences from grand palace, landmark city hotels, wildlife safari lodges, resorts and luxury serviced residences.