oneworld has announced a first-of-its-kind loyalty partnership with Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), marking the first collaboration between a global airline alliance and a hotel group.
The partnership, effective immediately, brings together oneworld’s global network of member airlines and IHCL’s hospitality portfolio, which includes brands such as Taj, Claridges Collection, Brij, SeleQtions, Clarks, Gateway, Vivanta, Ginger, Tree of Life and amã Stays & Trails.
According to oneworld, the partnership extends loyalty benefits beyond air travel, enabling oneworld Emerald, Sapphire and Ruby members to access exclusive savings and on-property privileges across participating IHCL hotels worldwide.
Ole Orvér, CEO, oneworld, said, “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.”
“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,” he added.
The collaboration connects oneworld’s network of nearly 1,000 destinations with IHCL’s portfolio of over 630 hotels across four continents. These include flagship properties such as Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai, Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur, The Pierre, New York, and St. James’ Court, London.
Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director and CEO, IHCL, said, “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, 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.”
Under the partnership, oneworld Emerald members will receive 15 per cent discounts on the best available room rates, food and non-alcoholic beverages, and spa treatments at participating IHCL properties. Ruby and Sapphire members, along with other loyalty members, will receive 10 per cent discounts on similar offerings.
In addition, oneworld members booking their first stay at participating IHCL hotels will receive vouchers offering exclusive savings on accommodation and food and beverage experiences.
The partnership also includes reciprocal loyalty recognition. oneworld Emerald members will be matched to Taj InnerCircle – NeuPass Gold status, while Sapphire and Ruby members will receive NeuPass Silver status.
Similarly, Taj InnerCircle – NeuPass Gold and Platinum members holding a frequent flyer membership with a oneworld airline will be matched to oneworld Sapphire status, while Copper and Silver members will receive oneworld Ruby status.
Roger Blackburn, Vice President – Commercial and Loyalty, oneworld, said, “IHCL’s iconic brand, Taj, with its exceptional reputation, and Taj InnerCircle – NeuPass’ distinguished service complement the premium offering oneworld carriers provide. 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.”
The future phases of the partnership may include opportunities for members to earn airline loyalty points on hotel stays across select oneworld carrier programmes.
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