Tag: Indian Hospitality

Business

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

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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.

National

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

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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

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

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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.