“We are pleased to bring together the world’s premium airline alliance with IHCL’s Taj InnerCircle - NeuPass. Our members can now enjoy IHCL’s celebrated brands, including the iconic Taj, with its heritage of luxury, in a first-of-its-kind partnership that extends the value of oneworld loyalty beyond air travel,” said Ole Orvér, oneworld CEO. “With 10 million international customers travelling to and from India each year on oneworld member airlines, this partnership recognises and rewards our customers across a key global market.”
The tie-up, effective today, provides all oneworld Emerald, Sapphire and Ruby loyalty members access to exclusive savings on stays across IHCL’s global portfolio, in addition to enhanced on-property benefits spanning dining and spa experiences when booking through dedicated partnership channels.
“Our partnership with oneworld marks the coming together of two global leaders to redefine how travel and hospitality intersect, signaling a shift towards more integrated ecosystems,” said Mr. Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director & CEO, IHCL. “As we expand Taj’s international footprint, this alliance will strengthen our ability to engage a wider global audience, bringing together scale and warm Indian hospitality to create a desirable proposition across markets.”
The loyalty partnership connects oneworld’s global network of nearly 1,000 destinations with IHCL’s portfolio of 630+ hotels across four continents. These include the iconic Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai and Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur as well as renowned properties such as The Pierre, New York and St. James Court Hotel, London. Together, oneworld member airlines offer an extensive India network, with 11 member airlines serving 17 cities across the country from destinations throughout Asia, Europe, North America and the Middle East.
“IHCL’s iconic brand, Taj, with its exceptional reputation, and Taj InnerCircle – NeuPass’ distinguished service complement the premium offering oneworld carriers provide,” said Roger Blackburn, vice president of Commercial and Loyalty for oneworld. “This collaboration highlights how the customer proposition in a given market can be significantly elevated through unique partnerships, extending hospitality beyond the skies to create richer, more rewarding experiences on the ground.”
Highlights of the partnership include:
Tier-Based Benefits and Exclusive Savings
oneworld loyalty members will enjoy preferential rates and experiences for stays booked at participating Taj, Claridges Collection, Brij, SeleQtions, Clarks, Gateway, Vivanta, Ginger, Tree of Life hotels, and amã Stays & Trails. Tier based benefits include 15 percent discounts for oneworld Emerald members, and 10 percent for Ruby and Sapphire and all other members on best available room rate, food and non-alcoholic beverage offerings and spa treatments.
Additionally, oneworld members booking their first stay at participating IHCL properties worldwide will unlock vouchers offering exclusive savings on stays and food and beverage experiences.
Reciprocal Loyalty Recognition
As a next step, IHCL and select oneworld airline members will introduce reciprocal loyalty recognition. oneworld Emerald members will be matched to Taj InnerCircle - NeuPass Gold, while Ruby and Sapphire members will be matched to Taj InnerCircle - NeuPass Silver.
Taj InnerCircle - NeuPass Gold and Platinum members holding a frequent flyer program membership with a oneworld carrier will be matched to oneworld Sapphire tier and Taj InnerCircle - NeuPass Copper and Silver members will be matched to oneworld Ruby tier.
As the partnership evolves, the oneworld and IHCL will explore the introduction of points earning opportunities on hotel stays across select oneworld airline loyalty programmes.
Tags: Puneet Chhatwal Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) Roger Blackburn, oneworld Ole Orvér
