Big interview
“Offering a curation of authentic living palaces, landmark hotels, resorts, [and] safaris,” adds Chhatwal, “Taj is world-renowned for its warm and intuitive service excellence, brought alive by the indomitable spirit of our employees, who embody the legacy of the brand while bringing alive the essence of Tajness.”
World domination In May 2022, IHCL announced its launch of a new strategy called Ahvaan 2025, of which Taj plans to grow 100 hotels across the globe. It represents the hotel groups’ long-term three-pronged strategy for profitable growth, with aims to re-engineer its margins, reimagine its brandscape and re-structure its portfolio. IHCL is intent on building a portfolio of 300 hotels,
according to Chhatwal, and “clock 33% EBITDA margin, with 35% EBITDA share contribution from new businesses and management fees by 2025–26”. Part of the strategy will focus on re-engineering margins with an emphasis on sustained revenue growth, cost optimisation and operational excellence. The reimagination of its brandscape will see the growth of the groups different branded offerings, from the Ginger brand to 125 hotels, and ‘amã Stays & Trails’ to a portfolio of 300 and Qmin, which will expand to more than 25 cities and 100 outlets. IHCL’s portfolio restructuring also hopes to achieve a 50:50 mix between its owned, leased and managed hotels and to stimulate growth through strategic partnerships, monetisation, and simplifications. This is slated to scale Vivanta and SeleQtions to a portfolio of 75 hotels. Over the next few years, the hotel group is
expected to continue its expansion and strengthen its presence across the Indian sub-continent and other opportunities in key global markets across the UK, US, and Europe. “IHCL is the only Indian hospitality company with marquee hotels in key global destinations, such as London and New York, in addition to Sri Lanka, Dubai, Maldives and South Africa, among others,” says Chhatwal. “We will continue to have a strong focus on markets such as Dubai – where IHCL has recently opened Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, The Palm (the third Taj branded hotel in the city) and has another Taj hotel at Deira Creek in the pipeline.”
An open invitation On top of the groups plans for growth and expansion, Chhatwal is keen to point out the company’s inclusive nature. “IHCL has always been known for championing the cause of women,” says Chhatwal. One of these causes takes the form of ‘She Remains the Taj’, which recognises the influence of women as both professionals and consumers, and reiterates IHCL’s commitment towards enhancing its participation within and outside the organisation. “‘She Remains the Taj’
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continues from one of our very popular campaigns – ‘She is the Taj’ – and it signifies that the essence of Taj as a brand, which epitomises grace and excellence. It remains untouched while the brand continues to evolve and offer equal opportunities for all,” Chhatwal explains. “It is a holistic framework of women-centric initiatives for all stakeholders, including guests, employees, partners and the community.” The cause will encompass a number of initiatives
for customers, employees, and partners: ■ Customers: Based on extensive research, it will include creating and elevating customer- centric experiences for women travellers such as heightened levels of privacy, security, bespoke amenities and stay offerings.
■ Employees: The company will undertake enabling policies to increase workforce participation to 25% by 2025, including 25% of leadership roles at upcoming IHCL hotels will be women.
■ Partners: Keeping community at the core, IHCL will continue to extend economic opportunities to the larger eco-system and continue to support women-led businesses and partners.
Above: Taj encapsulates world-class luxury as an undisputed leader in Indian hospitality.
Below: IHCL’s core values are championed in every hotel, including the ama Stays & Trails properties such as Cardozo House in Goa, India.
Opposite: Managing director and CEO at IHCL, Puneet Chhatwal.
2022 Brand Finance
Taj has been named the ‘World’s Strongest Hotel Brand’ for the second time in a row.
Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL)
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