oneworld and Taj InnerCircle NeuPass launch the first-ever Global Airline Alliance & Hotel Loyalty Program | News
oneworld today unveiled a unique loyalty partnership with luxury hospitality brand Indian Hotels Company (IHCL). The agreement marks the first loyalty partnership between a global airline alliance and a hotel group and includes the brands Taj, Claridges Collection, Brij, SeleQtions, Clarks, Gateway, Vivanta, Ginger, Tree of Life and amã Stays & Trails.
“We are thrilled 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 unique partnership that extends the value of oneworld loyalty beyond air travel,” said Ole Orvér, CEO of oneworld. “With 10 million international customers traveling to and from India every year on oneworld member airlines, this partnership recognizes and rewards our customers in an important global market.”
The partnership, which comes into effect today, offers all oneworld Emerald, Sapphire and Ruby loyalty members access to exclusive savings on stays across IHCL’s global portfolio, in addition to enhanced on-site benefits including dining and spa experiences when booking through dedicated partnership channels.
“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,” said Mr. Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director & CEO of IHCL. “As we expand Taj’s international footprint, this alliance will strengthen our ability to reach a broader global audience, bringing together scale and warm Indian hospitality to create a desirable proposition across all markets.”
The loyalty partnership connects oneworld’s global network of nearly 1,000 destinations with IHCL’s portfolio of more than 630 hotels across four continents. These include the iconic Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai and Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur, as well as renowned properties such as The Pierre, New York and St. James Court Hotel, London. Together, oneworld’s member airlines provide an extensive India network, with 11 member airlines serving 17 cities across the country from destinations in Asia, Europe, North America and the Middle East.
“IHCL’s iconic Taj brand, with its exceptional reputation, and Taj InnerCircle – NeuPass’ distinctive service complement the premium offering offered by oneworld carriers,” said Roger Blackburn, vice president of Commercial and Loyalty for oneworld. “This collaboration highlights how the customer proposition in a given market can be significantly enhanced through unique partnerships, extending hospitality beyond the heavens to create richer, more rewarding experiences on the ground.”
Highlights of the collaboration include:
Tier-based benefits and exclusive savings
oneworld loyalty members enjoy great rates and experiences on stays booked at participating Taj, Claridges Collection, Brij, SeleQtions, Clarks, Gateway, Vivanta, Ginger, Tree of Life hotels and amã Stays & Trails. Tier-based benefits include 15 percent discount for oneworld Emerald members, and 10 percent for Ruby and Sapphire and all other members on the best available room rate, food and non-alcoholic beverages and spa treatments.
In addition, oneworld members who book their first stay at participating IHCL properties worldwide will unlock vouchers offering exclusive savings on stays and food and beverage experiences.
Mutual loyalty recognition
As a next step, IHCL and selected oneworld airline members will introduce mutual loyalty recognition. oneworld Emerald members will be paired with Taj InnerCircle – NeuPass Gold, while Ruby and Sapphire members will be paired with Taj InnerCircle – NeuPass Silver.
Taj InnerCircle – NeuPass Gold and Platinum members with a frequent flyer program membership with a oneworld airline will be linked to the oneworld Sapphire tier and Taj InnerCircle – NeuPass Copper and Silver members will be linked to the oneworld Ruby tier.
As the partnership develops, oneworld and IHCL will explore the introduction of earning points for hotel stays on selected oneworld airline loyalty programs.
