Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces in alliance with Okura Hotels & Resorts
September 4, 2007

To develop marketing opportunities in their markets of dominance

Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces, one of Asia's largest and finest group of hotels, and Okura Hotels & Resorts, one of the largest international hotel groups in Japan, have entered into a strategic joint marketing alliance to develop cross-promotional opportunities for both companies to harness each other's strengths in their respective markets of dominance.

Under the alliance, both Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces and Okura Hotels & Resorts have agreed to implement reciprocated points in each other's loyalty programme — the Taj Inner Circle and the Okura Club, wherein both hotel chains will allow guests to earn and burn points at the participating hotels. Members of the Okura Club and Taj Inner Circle spread across the globe can enjoy unparalleled benefits through this alliance.

Further, both hotel chains will take combined reservations for each other for the nominated hotels, from September 5, 2007 onwards. Hence, guests in Japan can now make a reservation for select Taj Hotels through the Okura CRO telephone number +81-3-3224-6650, while a Taj guest can choose to make a reservation at select Okura Hotels through the Taj Reservation Worldwide on 1800 111 825 and + 91 22 66011825.

Offering all the modern amenities, Okura Hotels & Resorts retain the subtle, aesthetic beauty and warm hospitality important to Japanese tradition. Synonymous with luxurious accommodations, attentive staff and some of the finest cuisine in all of Japan, the name Okura attracts guests from around the globe, including many prominent names from the worlds of government, business, and academia.

The participating Taj and Okura Hotels in the combined loyalty program and reservation services include: The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower, Mumbai, Taj Mahal, Delhi, Taj West End, Bangalore, The Pierre, New York, Taj Boston, Campton Place, San Francisco, Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Mauritius, Taj Exotica Resort and Spa, Maldives and Blue, Sydney. The Okura hotels include Hotel Okura Tokyo, Hotel Okura Sapporo, Kyoto Hotel Okura, Hotel Okura Kobe, Hotel Okura Fukuoka, Okura Garden Hotel Shanghai and Hotel Okura Amsterdam.

Under the alliance, both Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces and Okura Hotels & Resorts will jointly participate in trade shows, sales events, niche marketing programmes and culinary promotions. This will also include a special exchange programme wherein both organisations will send people to be trained in each other's hotels in different areas of expertise. This alliance will support and enhance the Taj Hotels and the Okura Hotels & Resorts representation in different parts of the world.

Speaking on the occasion, Raymond Bickson, managing director and CEO, Indian Hotels Company, said, "This is certainly a win-win alliance for both companies. It will give us the opportunity to work with The Okura network to create greater awareness of the Taj brand in Japan, which is one of our key markets. This alliance will bring in a synergistic approach to the marketing efforts of two of Asia's finest hospitality brands."

Mikio Matsui, president and CEO, Hotel Okura Company, added, "The alliance comes at the most opportune time when India's tourist industry is booming due to a rush of foreign tourists into the country and increased travel by Indians to domestic and overseas destinations. By creating an alliance with an India-based hotel company with properties that have similar brand positioning and quality of customer service to our own, we offer our guests reciprocal privileges and benefits."

The portfolio of hotels under both Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces and Okura Hotels & Resorts are treasured historic landmarks and destinations unto themselves. They share a mutual culture, which places a premium on offering high-quality service while maintaining the unique appeal of each hotel. At its inception, The Okura-Taj partnership will provide guests with a total of 16 hotels offering not only comparable service and quality, but also distinct experiences in unique destinations to choose from.