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In a remarkable moment for Indian hospitality, Taj Hotels has been named the World’s Strongest Hotel Brand 2025 in the Luxury Hotels 2025 sub-ranking by Brand Finance. The recognition comes with a Brand Strength Index score of 92.2 and an AAA+ rating, a rare honour in the industry.
For a brand rooted in Indian tradition and trusted by guests across generations, this recognition is more than a title; it is a testament to Taj Hotels’ enduring legacy of excellence.
The story of Taj Hotels began in 1903, when visionary industrialist Mr. Jamsetji Tata opened the doors of the Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai. At a time when Indians were excluded from many colonial establishments, this was not just a luxury hotel.
It was a bold statement of self-respect and ambition, introducing a new idea of Indian hospitality, rooted in warmth, dignity and care. Even today, more than a hundred years later, that same spirit and confidence continue to define the Taj experience, earning the trust of generations of guests.
It is this unique blend of heritage, consistency and heartfelt service that has helped Taj Hotels grow from a single hotel in Mumbai to a name recognised across the globe and now, the strongest hotel brand in the world.
Taj Hotels' path to becoming the strongest hotel brand has not come without its share of challenges. But in each instance, the brand has responded not with retreat but with purpose and resilience.
Some of the defining moments include:
● The 2008 Mumbai Attacks: The 2008 terrorist attacks severely damaged Taj Mahal Palace's iconic flagship and left an indelible mark on the hospitality world.
But rather than stepping back, Taj Hotels chose to lead with strength, restoring the palace to its former glory, supporting its staff and guests with dignity and emerging as a global symbol of resilience.
● COVID-19 Pandemic: The pandemic brought travel to a halt, with Taj Hotels facing sharp drops in occupancy and temporary closures. Yet, the brand launched the #MealsToSmiles initiative to serve frontline workers and vulnerable communities.
Despite the disruption, Taj Hotels remained focused on care, resilience and responsibility, reinforcing the values that continue to define its legacy.
Throughout each of these periods, Taj Hotels survived and found ways to serve its customers better. That commitment to people, purpose and progress is one of the many reasons it now holds the title of the world’s strongest hotel brand 2025.
What started at the Gateway of India eventually crossed oceans. Taj Hotels now boasts a presence on multiple continents with iconic properties not just in India but also in global cities from London to Cape Town.
Always faithful to its Indian roots, each property blends local flavour with the brand’s unique standard of luxury, creating spaces where global travellers feel both indulged and at home.
Whether it is the grandeur of The Pierre, New York or the coastal serenity of Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Goa, the brand has built a reputation that crosses borders.
➢ Authentic Indian Hospitality - Guests do not just stay at Taj Hotels, they feel cared for. The concept of “Tajness” is about sincere service, attention to detail and a deep understanding of guest needs.
➢ Sustainability with Purpose - Through its Paathya ESG+ framework, Taj Hotels is making thoughtful choices, from heritage conservation to reducing its environmental impact and supporting local communities.
➢Agility and Vision - Taj Hotels has shown a remarkable ability to evolve with changing times while staying true to its core values. It has welcomed new ideas, from going digital to offering new kinds of experiences, and expanded its presence worldwide.
➢ Consistent Brand Strength -Over the years, Taj has earned a name that people trust, and it has maintained that reputation through changing times. This is reflected in its repeated recognition as India’s strongest brand. This consistency is what keeps Taj at the top, no matter how the market evolves.
For Taj Hotels, being named the world's strongest hotel brand is not a peak; it is another step in a journey that began over a century ago with a dream in Mumbai.
From royal palaces turned into luxury retreats to modern business hotels, Taj offers a stay for every kind of traveller. What unites them all is the same commitment to excellence, whether you are enjoying a spa treatment in Goa, a curated meal in Delhi or a sunset view in Udaipur.
Ready to experience the hallmark of world-class hospitality? Book your next stay with Taj Hotels and discover a place where each experience is crafted with care because true luxury is felt, not just seen.