Just three hours after Hilton International, the oldest and best known hotel brand in the world, checked in through a strategic alliance with East India Hotels (EIH) Ltd., Mr. Ratan Tata, chairman, Indian Hotels, the country’s largest hotel chain, said that his company did not need to join a Hilton or any other brand because “ we feel we can compete on our own.”

Speaking at the company’s AGM on Thursday, Mr. Tata said that the company was open to sales and reservation alliances in select markets abroad. However, there were no plans of any co-branding exercise and the Taj Group will continue to manage and operate its hotels.

On the Oberoi-Hilton tie-up, Mr. Tata said, “Personally, I don’t think it will impact us in any significant way”.

The Taj Mahal hotel in Mumbai, the flagship property of the Taj Group, is likely to be rename as Taj Mahal Palace and towers. In another interesting exercise, Tata Motors will be introducing customised cars under Indigo and Safari brands for the Taj customers. The cars will have facilities such as mini refrigerators and leather seat covers, among other accessories.

From the present 52 domestic hotels and 12 abroad, the numbers was expected to raise to 52 domestic hotels and 18 properties abroad by the year 2005, said Mr. Raymond Bickson, managing director, Indian Hotels.

As part of its restructuring exercise, the company is planning to sell its underperforming properties and idle assets. Meanwhile, it is planning to spread its wings in South-Africa. US and Asian markets like China and Russia

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