Starhotels’ I AM STAR loyalty program expands its international reach | News
Starhotels, Italy’s largest private hotel group by turnover, announces a strategic partnership between I AM STAR, its loyalty program, and Taj InnerCircle – NeuPass, the loyalty platform of Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality company, which operates a portfolio of more than 640 hotels, spanning 4 continents and 15 countries.
The partnership marks a further step in I AM STAR’s international development strategy and comes at a time of growing mobility between Europe and India, as well as the increasing relevance of loyalty programs in the choice of destinations and hotel properties.
Through this partnership, I AM STAR joins Taj InnerCircle – NeuPass, one of the leading loyalty programs in the hospitality industry, with more than 13 million members worldwide. The partnership increases the value offered to I AM STAR members while opening access to an even broader international hospitality network. It is designed to encourage mutual engagement between the two loyalty communities, creating a seamless customer journey between I AM STAR and Taj InnerCircle – NeuPass and offering travelers new options for stays, experiences and exclusive benefits within the respective ecosystems.
Elisabetta Fabri, President and CEO of Starhotels, commented: “This partnership represents an important step in the international development of our I AM STAR loyalty program in high-growth markets, offering our members the opportunity to enjoy increasingly valuable and rewarding experiences. Through our collaboration with IHCL’s Taj InnerCircle – NeuPass, we are further expanding the travel options and benefits available to our members, while also enhancing I AM STAR’s ability to acquire new customers attract by providing access to an international network of excellent destinations and properties.”
The collaboration brings together two hotel groups united by a shared vision of hospitality: guest-centricity, authenticity, excellent service and improving travel experiences. The partnership will give I AM STAR members access to IHCL’s global portfolio, which includes some of the most iconic and prestigious hotels in India and around the world, including the legendary Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai, a symbol of Indian luxury hospitality and one of the most internationally recognized hotel brands. Taj InnerCircle – NeuPass members will in turn benefit from exclusive benefits at Starhotels hotels and discover the Group’s portfolio in leading Italian destinations, as well as in London, Paris and New York.
Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director and CEO of IHCL, added: “Travel between India and Europe is on the rise, driven by strong outbound demand and increasing global interest in India’s cultural and leisure experiences. Through this partnership with Starhotels, Taj InnerCircle – NeuPass expands its presence into key European markets, giving members access to a broader network of hotels and benefits that enhance their overall travel journey.”
Members will enjoy mutual benefits including preferential rates on stays, special dining benefits and wellness treatments, which can be booked directly through the respective brand platforms.
These benefits will be available at Starhotels Collezione and Starhotels Premium, as well as at select hotels within IHCL’s global portfolio, including the Taj, Claridges Collection, Brij, SeleQtions, Clarks, Gateway, Vivanta, Tree of Life and amã Stays & Trails brands. The partnership represents a significant growth opportunity for both organizations and affirms the increasingly central role of loyalty programs in building direct, ongoing and valuable relationships with international travelers.
