Taj has yet another feather in its cap. For the fifth time, it has been named the World’s Strongest Luxury Hotel Brand by Brand Finance UK. With a Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 93.5/100 and an AAA+ brand strength rating, this announcement comes with the “Hotels 50 2026” annual report, published by the world's leading brand valuation consultancy that recognises the most valuable and strongest hotel brands across the globe.
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. 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."
What Sets Taj Apart
What sets Taj apart from any other hospitality brand is its commitment to making luxury stays a distinctive blend of Indian heritage, personalised hospitality and luxury. Leading with experience-led stays, Taj’s top position reflects its ability to preserve its unique cultural identity on the global hospitality stage. It currently has a portfolio of 150 hotels across 4 countries, offering a diverse portfolio including grand palaces, city hotels, beach & spa resorts, wildlife safaris, and serviced residences.
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.”
IHCL's Growing Hospitality Portfolio
The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) and its subsidiaries operate a diverse portfolio of hospitality brands and businesses, combining Indian hospitality with global service standards. Its portfolio includes Taj, which has been named the World’s Strongest Luxury Hotel Brand 2026 and India’s Strongest Brand 2026 by Brand Finance; Claridges Collection, a group of boutique luxury hotels with a focus on heritage and design; Brij, an experiential leisure brand; Atmantan, an integrated wellness destination; SeleQtions, a curated collection of hotels; Gateway, a full-service hotel brand; Vivanta, its upscale offering; Tree of Life, focused on private leisure escapes; and Ginger, its lean-luxe hotel brand.
Founded by Tata Group founder Jamsetji Tata, IHCL opened its first hotel, The Taj Mahal Palace in Bombay, in 1903. Today, the company has a portfolio of 645 hotels, including 263 in the pipeline, spread across four continents, 15 countries and more than 300 locations. IHCL is India’s largest hospitality company by market capitalisation and is listed on both the BSE and NSE.
FAQs
1. Why has Taj been named the World’s Strongest Luxury Hotel Brand?
Taj received a Brand Strength Index score of 93.5 out of 100 and an AAA+ brand strength rating in Brand Finance’s Hotels 50 2026 report.
2. How many times has Taj been named the World’s Strongest Luxury Hotel Brand?
The 2026 recognition marks the fifth time Taj has received the title.
3. What is Taj’s Brand Strength Index score in 2026?
Taj recorded a Brand Strength Index score of 93.5 out of 100.
4. How many hotels does Taj currently have?
Taj currently has a portfolio of 150 hotels across four countries.
5. How many hotels does IHCL operate?
IHCL and its subsidiaries have a portfolio of 645 hotels, including 263 in the pipeline, across four continents, 15 countries and more than 300 locations.
