AS PER BRAND FINANCE UK’S ‘HOTELS 50 2026’ REPORT MARKS THE FIFTH YEAR OF THIS RECOGNITION

MUMBAI, JULY 23, 2026: Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality company, announces that its iconic brand Taj is the World’s Strongest Luxury Hotel Brand by Brand Finance UK, for the fifth time. The ‘Hotels 50 2026’ annual report by the world’s leading brand valuation consultancy recognises the most valuable and strongest hotel brands across the globe.

Mr. Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, IHCL, said, “For over a century, Taj has been the embodiment of Indian hospitality for the world. The dual honour of being India’s Strongest Brand and the World’s Strongest Luxury Hotel Brand, reflects the strength of Taj’s legacy and its continued relevance to travellers across generations and geographies.”

He added, “This recognition is a testament to the unwavering commitment of our 50,000+ associates, who continue to serve with the values that have shaped our identity.”

As per Brand Finance’s ‘Hotel 50 2026’ report, with a Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 93.5/100 and an AAA+ brand strength rating, TAJ (brand value up 32% to USD878 million) retains its position as the World’s Strongest Luxury Hotel Brand. As luxury travellers increasingly seek authentic and experience-led stays, Taj continues to differentiate itself through its distinctive blend of Indian heritage, personalised hospitality, and timeless luxury. Its strong brand equity reflects its ability to deliver meaningful guest experiences while preserving its unique cultural identity on the global hospitality stage.

Mr. David Haigh, Chairman & CEO, Brand Finance, said, “Taj’s continued recognition as the world’s strongest luxury hotel brand is a remarkable achievement. With an exceptional Brand Strength Index score of 93.5, Taj demonstrates how a brand can build global stature while remaining deeply rooted in its cultural identity. Its distinctive blend of Indian heritage, timeless luxury and personalised hospitality continues to create powerful guest affinity and sets an important benchmark for the global luxury hospitality industry.”

The iconic brand Taj has a portfolio of 150 hotels across 14 countries offering a diverse portfolio including grand palaces, city hotels, beach & spa resorts, wildlife safaris and serviced residences.

To view the rankings, please click: here

To read the full report, please visit: Brandirectory.com   

About The Indian Hotels Company Limited

The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) and its subsidiaries bring together a group of brands and businesses that offer a fusion of warm Indian hospitality and world-class service. These include Taj – the iconic brand for the most discerning travellers and ranked as World’s Strongest Luxury Hotel Brand 2026 and India’s Strongest Brand 2026 as per Brand Finance; Claridges Collection, a curated set of boutique luxury hotels merging elegance with historical charm; Brij, an experiential leisure offering; Atmantan, one of India’s leading integrated wellness destinations; SeleQtions, a named collection of hotels; Gateway, full-service hotels designed to be your gateway to exceptional destinations; Vivanta, sophisticated upscale hotels; Tree of Life, private escapes in tranquil settings and Ginger, which is revolutionising the lean luxe segment.

Incorporated by the founder of the Tata Group, Jamsetji Tata, the Company opened its first hotel – The Taj Mahal Palace, in Bombay in 1903. IHCL has a portfolio of 645 hotels including 263 in the pipeline globally across 4 continents, 15 countries and in over 300 locations. The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) is India’s largest hospitality company by market capitalization. It is listed on the BSE and NSE.