COMPANY INTRODUCTION

The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) and its subsidiaries are collectively known as Taj
Hotels Resorts and Palaces and is recognised as one of Asia's largest and finest hotel company.
Incorporated by the founder of the Tata Group, Mr. Jamsetji N. Tata, the company opened its
first property, The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Bombay in 1903. The Taj, a symbol of Indian
hospitality, completed its centenary year in 2003.
Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces comprises 93 hotels in 55 locations across India with an
additional 16 international hotels in the Maldives, Malaysia, Australia, UK, USA, Bhutan, Sri
Lanka, Africa and the Middle East.
Spanning the length and breadth of the country, gracing important industrial towns and cities,
beaches, hill stations, historical and pilgrim centres and wildlife destinations, each Taj hotel
offers the luxury of service, the apogee of Indian hospitality, vantage locations, modern
amenities and business facilities.
IHCL operate in the luxury, premium, mid-market and value segments of the market through the
following:
Taj (luxury full-service hotels, resorts and palaces) is our flagship brand for the world's most
discerning travelers seeking authentic experiences given that luxury is a way of life to which
they are accustomed. Spanning world-renowned landmarks, modern business hotels, idyllic
beach resorts, authentic Rajput palaces and rustic safari lodges, each Taj hotel reinterprets the
tradition of hospitality in a refreshingly modern way to create unique experiences and lifelong
memories.
Taj also encompasses a unique set of iconic properties rooted in history and tradition that deliver
truly unforgettable experiences. A collection of outstanding properties with strong heritage as
hotels or palaces which offer something more than great physical product and exceptional
service. This group is defined by the emotional and unique equity of its iconic properties that are
authentic, non- replicable with great potential to create memories and stories.
Taj Exotica is our resort and spa brand found in the most exotic and relaxing locales of the
world. The properties are defined by the privacy and intimacy they provide. The hotels are
clearly differentiated by their product philosophy and service design. They are centered around
high end accommodation, intimacy and an environment that allows its guest unrivalled comfort
and privacy. They are defined by a sensibility of intimate design and by their varied and eclectic
culinary experiences, impeccable service and authentic Indian Spa sanctuaries.
Taj Safaris are wildlife lodges that allow travelers to experience the unparalleled beauty of the
Indian jungle amidst luxurious surroundings. They offer India's first and only wildlife luxury
lodge circuit. Taj Safaris provide guests with the ultimate, interpretive, wild life experience
based on a proven sustainable ecotourism model.
Vivanta by Taj Hotels & Resorts
span options for the work-hard-play-hard traveller across metropolitan cities, other commercially
important centres as well as some of the best-loved vacation spots. Stylish & sophisticated,
Vivanta by Taj delivers premium hotel experiences with imagination, energy & efficiency. It's
the flavour of contemporary luxury, laced with cool informality and the charming Taj hospitality.
Created for the cosmopolitan global traveller and bon vivant, Vivanta by Taj Hotels & Resorts
create experiences that will amuse, invigorate & inspire you. Vivanta revels in a spirit that
presents the normal with an unexpected twist. Experiences which make you pause & appreciate
the hidden beauty in life! It challenges your expectations of a hotel and unfolds multiple layers of
delight. Innovative cuisine concepts, the smart use of technology & the challenge to constantly
engage, energize and relax you all add up to make Vivanta by Taj the new signature in
hospitality.
The Gateway Hotel (upscale/mid-market full service hotels and resorts) is a pan-India network
of hotels and resorts that offers business and leisure travelers a hotel designed, keeping the
modern nomad in mind. At the Gateway Hotel, we believe in keeping things simple. This is why,
our hotels are divided into 7 simple zones- Stay, Hangout, Meet, Work, Workout, Unwind and
Explore.
As travel often means more hassle than harmony, more stress than satisfaction, modern travelers
are looking for smarter choices. Driven by our passion for perfection, we welcome our customers
to a refreshingly enjoyable and hassle-free experience, anytime, everywhere. Offering the highest
consistency in quality, service and style we set new standards and take the unwanted surprises
out of traveling. Our warm welcomes make our guests feel at home, away from home and our
crisp and courteous service empowers them to get more done with greater effectiveness and
control. And through our unrivalled network we provide service that is effortless, simple, never
overwhelming, always warm.
Ginger (economy hotels) is IHCL's revolutionary concept in hospitality for the value segment.
Intelligently designed facilities, consistency and affordability are hallmarks of this brand targeted
at travelers who value simplicity and self-service.
Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces is committed to replicate its domestic success onto international
shores with plans to build an international network of luxury hotels, which will provide an
exemplary product-service combination and in the process create a global brand. The current
international portfolio includes luxury resorts in the Indian Ocean, business and resort
destinations in the Middle East and Africa, serviced apartments in the UK, the first hotel in
Australia and three a top-end luxury hotels in the US.
Throughout the Company's expansion, its mandate has been twofold: to infuse a sense of Indian
heritage and culture within each diverse property, while also anticipating the needs and desires of
the sophisticated traveller. Over the years, the Taj has won international acclaim for its quality
hotels and its excellence in business facilities, services, cuisine and interiors.
The Taj strengthened its presence in the Indian Ocean rim with the Exotica Brand. The Taj
Exotica was evolved as part of Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces intent to position it as a brand that
is clearly differentiated by its product philosophy and service design. The Taj Exotica Resort and
Spa, in Maldives is centered on high-end accommodation, intimacy and an environment that
allows its guest's unrivalled comfort and privacy.
Taj Hotels further expanded its global footprint by securing management contracts at Palm
Island, Jumeirah in Dubai, Saraya Islands in Ras Al Khaimah, Aldar Group in Abu Dhabi, UAE
Langkawi in Malaysia and Thimpu in Bhutan. The most significant additions to the portfolio
have been The Pierre, the iconic landmark hotel on New York's Fifth Avenue, Taj Boston and
Blue, Sydney.
The presence of Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces internationally has been developed through a
network of Taj regional sales and PR offices in the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy,
Dubai, Singapore, Australia, Japan, Russia and the United States of America.
At the Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces luxurious living and fine dining find common ground.
Whether it is introducing exotic world cuisines to India or taking authentic Indian fare to the
world, the Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces is renowned for the eclectic culinary experiences it
brings to its guests. Through a vast repertoire of award-winning restaurants, legendary recipes
from royal kitchens and celebrated food festivals, the Taj has pioneered innovation in fine dining
across the world.
Taj Hotels also promise a whole new experience of tranquillity and total 'wellness', through Jiva
Spas a unique concept, which brings together the wisdom and heritage of the Asian and Indian
Philosophy of Wellness and Well-being. Rooted in ancient Indian healing knowledge, Jiva Spas
derive inspiration and spirit from the holistic concept of living. There is a rich basket of fresh and
unique experiences under the Jiva Spa umbrella of offering, Yoga and Meditation, mastered and
disseminated by accomplished practitioners, authentic Ayurveda, and unique Taj signature
treatments. Royal traditions of wellness in service experiences, holistic treatments involving
body therapies, enlivening and meaningful rituals and ceremonies and unique natural products
blended by hand, come together to offer a truly calming experience.
IHCL operates Taj Air, a luxury private jet operation with state-of-the-art Falcon 2000 aircrafts
designed by Dassault Aviation, France; and Taj Yachts, two 3-bedroom luxury yachts which can
be used by guests in Mumbai and Kochi, in Kerala.
IHCL also operates Taj SATS Air Catering Ltd., the largest airline catering service in South
Asia, as a joint venture with SATS (formerly known as Singapore Airport Terminal Services).
Additionally, it operates the Indian Institute of Hotel Management, Aurangabad since 1993.
The institute offers a Four-year diploma, designed with the help of international faculty and has
affiliations with several American and European programmes.
CORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY AND SOCIAL RESPONSBILITY
As a part of Tatas; India's premier business house; we; at Taj Hotels, have always believed in
society and environment being integral stakeholders in our business along with our shareholders,
customers, vendors and others. Over the last decade, the movement towards ecologically sound
tourism has gained urgency and importance across the globe and we recognize that responsible
practices in vogue are as diverse as the geographies.
We promote corporate citizenship through our strategic public-private partnerships which
encourage building livelihoods of less-advantaged youth and women. The causes we promote
include reducing malnutrition, promoting indigenous artisans and craftsmen and enhancing
employability of identified target groups by sharing our core competencies as a leading
hospitality company. We encourage training and development of differently abled youth.
We at Taj have the unique scope and opportunity to develop raw potential into a skilled
workforce that is immediately employable by various players in the industry. A majority of our
community projects are focused around extending our key strengths in food production, kitchen
management, housekeeping, customer service and spas to promote economic empowerment of
candidates from vulnerable socio-economic backgrounds. We are fully committed to the cause of
building a sustainable environment by reducing the impact of our daily operations on the
environment and improving operational efficiencies, resource conservation, reuse and recycling
of key resources.
The "Communication on Progress 2011-12" (downloadable from here) is an update on the
impact of various initiatives undertaken by our company in social & environmental fronts. This
year again our report has received an 'A+' rating, by external assurance provider - KPMG for the
3rd consecutive year, further propelling us to rededicate our commitment to the Sustainability
journey.
We believe in continuous learning and sharing and would be delighted to have your thoughts and
suggestions.
EARTH
In an endeavour to reinstate its vision and efforts to boost sustainable tourism, Taj Hotels Resorts
and Palaces presented EARTH (Environment Awareness & Renewal at Taj Hotels) this year.
Implementing schemes such as the Gangroti Glacier Clean-Up Expedition, as well as designated
Earth rooms, which minimise environmental impact, Taj is one of Asia's largest group of hotels
to commit to energy conservation and environmental management. EARTH has received
certification from Green Globe, the only worldwide environmental certification program for
travel and tourism.
The Taj began a century ago with a single landmark - The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Mumbai.
Today, the various Taj hotels, in all their variety and historical richness, are recognised
internationally as the symbols of true Indian hospitality. The Company's history is integral to
India's emergence into the global business and leisure travel community; and looking to the
future, Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces is well positioned to meet the increase in travel activity
with the rapid expansion of the Indian economy.

HISTORY AND CERTAIN CORPORATE MATTERS
Introduction and Overview
The Company was incorporated in 1902 and it opened its first hotel, The Taj Mahal Palace &
Tower, Mumbai, in 1903. The Company then undertook major expansion of The Taj Mahal
Palace & Tower, Mumbai by constructing an adjacent tower block and increasing the number of
rooms from 225 to 565 rooms. With the completion of its initial public offering in the early
1970s, the Company began a long term programme of geographic expansion and development of
new tourist destinations in India which led to its emergence as a leading hotel chain in India.
From the 1970s to the present day, the Taj Group has played an important role in launching
several of India's key tourist destinations, working in close association with the Indian
Government. The Taj Group has a philosophy of service excellence which entails providing
consistently high levels of personalized service and innovative means of improving service
quality.
The Taj Group has been active in converting former royal palaces in India into world class
luxury hotels such as the Taj Lake Palace in Udaipur, the Rambagh Palace in Jaipur and Umaid
Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur. In 1974, the Taj Group opened India's first international five star
deluxe beach resort, the Fort Aguada Beach Resort in Goa. The Taj Group also began its
business in metropolitan hotels in the 1970s, opening the five-star deluxe hotel Taj Coromandel
in Chennai in 1974, acquiring an equity interest and operating contract for the Taj President, a
business hotel in Mumbai, in 1977, and opening the Taj Mahal Hotel in Delhi in 1978.
In 1980, the Taj Group took its first step internationally by opening its first hotel outside India,
the Taj Sheba Hotel in Sana'a, Yemen and in the late 1980s, acquired interests in the Crown
Plaza - James Court, London and 51 Buckingham Gate Luxury Suites and Apartments in
London.
In 1984, the Taj Group acquired under a license agreement each of The Taj West End,
Bangalore, Taj Connemara, Chennai and Savoy Hotel, Ooty, with which the Taj Group made its
foray into Bangalore.
With the opening of the five star deluxe hotel Taj Bengal in Kolkata in 1989; the Taj Group
became the only hotel chain with a presence in the five major metropolitan cities of Mumbai,
Delhi, Kolkatta, Bangalore and Chennai. Concurrently with the expansion of its luxury hotel
chain in the major metropolitan cities, the Taj Group also expanded its business hotels division in
the major metropolitan and large secondary cities in India.
During the 1990s, the Taj Group continued to expand its geographic and market coverage in
India. It developed specialized operations (such as wildlife lodges) and consolidated its position
in established markets through the upgrading of existing properties and development of new
properties. Taj Kerala Hotels & Resorts Limited was set up in the early 1990s along with the
Kerala Tourism Development Corporation. In 1998 the Taj Group opened the Taj Exotica
Bentota which strengthened the Taj Group's market position in Sri Lanka. In 2000, the launch of
the 56 acre Taj Exotica, Goa and the Taj Hari Mahal in Jodhpur were completed.
In 2000, the Taj Group entered into a partnership with the GVK Reddy Group to set up Taj GVK
Hotels and Resorts Limited and thereby obtained a prominent position in the market in the
southern business city of Hyderabad, holding three hotels and a major share of the market. In
2001, the Taj Group took on the management contract of Taj Palace Hotel, Dubai, and has
established itself as an up-market hotel in the Middle East region. The Taj Exotica Resort & Spa,
Maldives launched the Taj Group into the premium luxury hotel market and since its opening in
July 2002, has won several international awards. The Taj Group also obtained licenses to manage
and operate two leisure hotels; the Rawal-Kot, Jaisalmer and Usha Kiran Palace, Gwalior in
October 2002.
In September 2002, the Taj Group acquired an equity interest in the former Regent Hotel in
Bandra which gave the Taj Group access to the midtown and North Mumbai market. The hotel
has since been renamed as the Taj Lands End, Mumbai.
In 2003, the Company celebrated the centenary of the opening of its Flagship hotel, the Taj
Mahal Palace & Tower, Mumbai.
In 2004 the Taj Group opened Wellington Mews, its first luxury serviced apartment in Mumbai.
In the same year, the Taj Group also launched the first of its "value-for-money" hotels in
Bangalore branded 'Ginger', which division has 11 hotels in various locations in India and is
owned through its wholly owned subsidiary.
In 2005 the Company acquired on lease The Pierre, a renowned hotel in New York City, to enter
the luxury end of the developed hotel markets internationally. The Company entered into a
management contract for Taj Exotica in Palm Island Jumeirah in Dubai to expand its existing
presence in the United Arab Emirates.
The Company enhanced its position as an operator of converted palaces by entering into a
management contract for Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur in the princely state of Rajasthan in
India. The Company, through a subsidiary, acquired the erstwhile 'W' hotel in Sydney, Australia
in February 2006 and renamed it as 'Blue, Woolloomooloo Bay'. To expand its presence in the
US market, the Company acquired in early 2007 Ritz Carlton in Boston and Taj Campton Place
in San Francisco.
Hotels operated by the Taj Group internationally are located in US, Australia, Dubai, Maldives,
Malaysia, Sri Lanka, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Bhutan and Zambia.
Scheme of Amalgamation ("Scheme")
On October 12, 2006, the Board of Directors of the Company approved the Scheme, under
Sections 391 to 394 of the Companies Act for the for the amalgamation of Indian Resorts Hotel
Limited, Gateway Hotels and Getaway Resorts Limited, Kuteeram Resorts Private Limited, Asia
Pacific Hotels Limited, Taj Lands End Limited (Transferor Companies) with the Company. The
Scheme was approved by the respective High Courts.
Rationale for the Scheme of Amalgamation
The Transferor Companies and the Company were engaged in the leisure and business hotels as
part of the Taj group of hotels. A consolidation of the Transferor Companies and the Company
was therefore expected to lead to greater synergy in operations, a more efficient utilisation of
capital and create a stronger base for future growth of business in general and the Company in
particular. The amalgamation was expected to result in administrative rationalization,
organizational efficiencies, and optimal utilization of various resources.
Milestones achieved by the Company since incorporation are listed below:
,
Year
Event
1903
The Company opens its first hotel, the "Taj Mahal Palace" in Mumbai, India.
1974
The Company opens its first five star deluxe beach resort, the "Fort Aguada Beach Resort" in
Goa.
The Company begins business in metropolitan hotels by opening the five star deluxe hotel, the
"Taj Coramandel" in Chennai.
1980
The Company opens its first hotel outside India, the "Taj Sheba Hotel" in Sana'a, Yemen.
1984
The Company entered into a licence agreement to operate the "Taj West End" in Bangalore, "Taj
Connemara" in Chennai and the "Savoy" in Ooty.
1989
The Company opens a five star deluxe hotel in Calcutta, the "Taj Bengal".
1990
The Company establishes the Taj Kerala Hotels and Resorts Limited with the Kerala Tourism
Development Corporation.
1998
The Company opens the "Taj Exotica" in Bentota, Sri Lanka.
2000
The Company establishes Taj GVK Hotels and Resorts Limited with the GVK group to operate
three hotels in Hyderabad.
2001
The Company is awarded the management contract for the "Taj Palace", Dubai.
The Company launches the "Taj Exotica Spa and Resort" in Maldives.
2002
The Company obtains licences to manage and operate two leisure hotels: the "Rawal-Kot" in
Jaisalmer and the "Usha Kiran Palace", Gwalior.
The Company acquires an equity interest in "Regent Hotel" in Bandra, Mumbai which is later
renamed as the "Taj Lands End".
2003
The Company relaunches its flag ship property as the "Taj Mahal Palace and Tower".
2004
The company opens its first Jiva Spa at the Usha Kiran Palace in Gwalior.
The Company launches its first luxury serviced apartments, "Wellington Mews" in Mumbai.
The Company opens its first economy hotel under the brand "Ginger" in Bangalore.
2005
The Company obtains a management contract to operate "The Pierre" in New York, USA.
The Company entered into a management contract to operate the "Taj Exotica" in Palm Island,
Jumeirah, Dubai.
The Company obtained the operating agreement for the "Umaid Bhawan Palace" in Jodhpur.
2006
The Company acquires the "W" hotel in Sydney, Australia which is later renamed as the "Blue
Sydney".
The Company commences operation of its first wildlife lodge at Mahua Kothi, Bandhavgarh.
2007
The Company acquires the "Ritz-Carlton" in Boston, USA which is later renamed as the "Taj
Boston".
The Company commences operation of its second wildlife lodge at Baghvan, Pench.
2008
Taj's flagship property in the United Kingdom, 51 Buckingham Gate, Taj Suites and Residence's
South Indian restaurant, Quilon has received the ultimate culinary accolade - a Michelin star.
Taj Hotels Partner with Saraya Islands to Operate Taj Exotica Hotel in Ras Al Khaimah, United
Arab Emirates.
Taj Hotels and the Tashi Group join hands to create the new benchmark for premium hotels in
Bhutan - Taj Tashi Bhutan.
ALDAR Hotels and Hospitality and Taj Hotels enter into an exclusive agreement involving a
number of hotel projects. The first hotel to be developed by ALDAR Hotels and Hospitality
under the agreement is a five-star, 500 room luxury resort hotel which will be in a spectacular
waterfront location on ALDAR's mega entertainment destination, YAS Island.
The Taj Safaris circuit will be complete in Madhya Pradesh with the addition of two more luxury
lodges in Panna, Pashan Garh and Kanha, Banjaar Tola.
The Taj Mahal Hotel, New Delhi unveils Delhi's first contemporary Japanese restaurant
'WASABI by Morimoto'.
Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces won 2 prestigious awards at The 2008 World Travel Awards: 1)
Rajput Suite at The The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower, Mumbai won India's Leading Suite. 2) Taj
Lake Palace, Udaipur awarded India's Leading Castle & Palace.
Taj Boston celebrates the 120th season of summer polo matches at the Myopia Polo Club in
Hamilton, MA sponsoring the 2nd annual Taj Boston Cup.
Taj International Hong Kong Ltd, signed a management contract with Cuiting Hotspring Hotel
Management Company Ltd. Taj will operate the latter's Temple of Heaven Park property in
Beijing and the Hainan Hotel project.
Taj Safaris unveiled two new luxury lodges: Pashan Garh and Banjaar Tola which will be the
third and fourth lodges added to the Taj Safari circuit.
Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces Introduces Telepresence Services in Collaboration with Tata
Communications.
Graze, the Modern European dining restaurant at Taj Residency, the only restaurant in Bangalore
to be honoured the coveted Wine Spectator Award of Excellence 2008 from America's leading
wine appreciation magazine Wine Spectator.
The Taj Mahal Hotel launches VARQ.
Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces have won the Cond Nast Traveller UK in 10th Readers'
Travel Awards. Taj's luxury properties have been recognised within the following categories:
Overseas Business Hotel, the World's Top 100 and Overseas Leisure Hotel in Asia and the
Indian Subcontinent.
Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces unveiled a premium business hotel - Taj Residency Trivandrum.
Enters into a Management contract with Dodla Intenational Limited.
Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces, launched a new brand "The Gateway Hotel".
Taj Hotels Resorts and Places has ranked No. 1 in the Best Hotel Chain in India category at the
Business Traveller Awards 2008. The spas at the Usha Kiran Palace, Gwalior and the Rambagh
Palace, Jaipur have been included among The 101 Best Spas in The World - Tatler Spa Guide
2008.
Taj Boston is the First United States Hotel and 51 Buckingham Gate, Taj Suites and Residences
is the First UK Hotel introducing Cisco TelePresence Rooms for Public Use Taj Hotels Resorts
and Palaces in collaboration with Tata Communications and Cisco.
Taj Boston in cooperation with Susan Cole of Boston Assemblies launches Social Style for
Children. These etiquette programs for children provide easy access to the social skills essential
in daily life.
The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower, Mumbai was under siegh during the 26/11 Mumbai Terror
attacks.
The Taj Boston was named the best hotel in Boston and for the second year in a row ranked , 22
among the world's top 100 hotels in the latest survey of hotels worldwide by Institutional
Investor magazine.
The Taj Hotels Resorts & Palaces 'No room for the Ordinary' advertising campaign for the print
media bagged the 2008 PATA Gold Award in the Marketing - Hospitality category and also won
a second award - the 2008 Gold Magellan Award.
The Gateway Hotel Athwa Lines Surat has added a new block of rooms to take up its inventory
to 208 making it the largest hotel in Gujarat. It also launches three brand new restaurants -
"Flow" the all day dining restaurant, "Spice" an Indian specialty restaurant and "T3" a Tea
lounge and Deli.
Taj launches The Jiva Spa Boat at Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur.
On December 21st, The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower reopens the rooms in the The Taj Mahal
Tower.
Taj Hotels Resorts & Palaces announced the opening of their 'Upper Upscale' brand in
Bangalore. The hotel bears a new name and identity: "Vivanta by Taj - Whitefield, Bangalore".
With the announcement of its forthcoming reopening, The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower provides
further details on the reopening of the Tower Wing. 268 rooms will be available, which include 9
Suites and 26 Taj Club Rooms. Exclusive services to commemorate the special occasion of the
hotel's reopening have been introduced with the opening of the Tower Wing.
The Taj Group set up a public service welfare Trust fund named - "Taj Public Service Welfare
Trust" (TPS Welfare Trust), In response to the unprecedented attack on Mumbai between
November 26 to 29, 2008, where many people from the security forces, the Police, Fire service,
hotel employees, guests of the Taj and general public were killed or wounded.
Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces unveiled a new world-class premium hotel in Chennai - Taj
Mount Road.
2009
Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur voted as the winner of the Editor's Choice Award 2008 for
Gallivanter's Guide.
Taj Boston awarded 2009 Mobil Four-Star honors in recognition of its gracious and efficient
service and luxurious accommodations and public spaces.
Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces introduces Kefi - the Mediterranean restaurant at Taj Mount
Road.
Taj Safaris open doors of its new luxury lodge, Banjaar Tola at Kanha National Park from
February 18, 2009.
The Pierre, re-opens on June 1 following a meticulous $100 million renovation to create new
guestroom and bath interiors and to reconfigure first floor public areas to accommodate a new
restaurant, Le Caprice at The Pierre, as well as 2 East, a new lobby lounge, and a graciously
welcoming reception area.
Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces announce their new premium hotel, "Vivanta by Taj - Panaji,
Goa", slotted in the "upper upscale" segment.
Indian Hotels Company Limited announced that it is going to acquire a controlling stake in
ELEL, the company which holds a long term sub-lease for the land on which the Sea Rock Hotel
is located in Bandra, Mumbai, for Rs. 680 crores.
The Taj Residency Ummed in Ahmedabad migrated to The Gateway Hotels portfolio, making
this its third property in Gujarat and the 31st Gateway hotel in India.
Taj launches Vivanta by Taj in Maldives.
Karambir Singh Kang, General Manager, The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower, Mumbai has been
awarded the prestigious Virtuoso Hotelier of the Year Award, 2009 at the Virtuoso "Best of the
Best" Hotel Awards held in Las Vegas recently during the Virtuoso's 21st Annual Travel Mart
Conference.
Taj Lands End introduces 125 new rooms comprising 107 Taj Club rooms and 18 Suites,
increasing the inventory to 493 rooms.
The Gateway Hotels has signed a management contract to set up a 125 room hotel on a 16-acre
prime location in Shirdi.
Rambagh Palace, Jaipur has been voted the Best Hotel in the World by Cond Nast Traveller
in the Readers Travel Awards for 2009 across travel and industry categories, in the World Top
100. It also tops the list of 'Overseas Leisure Hotels for Asia and the Indian sub-continent'.
Scoring an overall 95.62, Rambagh Palace has the 'best ambience/dcor' (98.12) and 'location'
(96.5) of all hotels in the category.
Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Maldives has been ranked 18th best Overseas Leisure Hotel in Middle
East, Africa & the Indian Ocean Islands in the Cond Nast Readers' Awards 2009.
Taj Coromandel relaunches Golden Dragon - The signature Specialty Schezwan restaurant in the
city.
The Taj Palace launches Blue Ginger thus introducing Vietnamese cuisine to the Delhi.
Taj Palace introduces 'The Blue Bar'.
Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Maldives has challenged to protect the natural tropical flora and fauna
and surrounding blue waters of Emboodhu Finolhu island.
On 26th of November 2009, The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower, Mumbai saw the coming together
of employees and families of staff members, for a remembrance meeting that paid respects to
those who lost their lives last year. There were multi faith prayers held for peace and harmony.
The standalone hotel, previously known as the Ummeid Jodhpur, was migrated to the brand The
Gateway Hotel Jodhpur. This is the third Gateway property in Rajasthan after Jaisalmer and
Jaipur and the 33rd property in the country overall.
The Taj celebrates the opening of Taj Khazana at Taj Lands End, its first signature boutique
store in Mumbai.
The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower, Mumbai announced the reopening of the iconic restaurant
Golden Dragon on the 25th of November 2009.
The legendary Wasabi and the historical Harbour Bar at The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower,
Mumbai reopened their doors on Dec 3, 2009.
The Indian Hotels Company Ltd announces its foray into Srinagar, in Jammu and Kashmir. A
management contract for a hotel under the upper upscale brand Vivanta by Taj was signed on,
December, 10, 2009 at Srinagar with SAIFCO Hill Crest Hotels Pvt. Ltd, part of a well-known
business house in the state.
Taj Hotels Resorts & Palaces has been recognised for its excellence and service for its properties
- Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Maldives and Taj West End, Bangalore - at the Leading Hotels of
the World Annual Convention held in Venice, Italy in November 2009.
2010
The Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur has been voted the Hotel Of The Year by the Gallivanter's
Guide Editor's Choice Awards.
Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces, one of Asia's largest and finest group of hotels, and VICTORIA-
JUNGFRAU COLLECTION, an exclusive hotel group comprising four of Switzerland's leading
luxury hotels have entered into a strategic joint marketing alliance to develop cross-promotional
opportunities for both companies to harness each other's strengths in their respective markets.
Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces announced the opening of Taj Cape Town. This new luxury hotel
in the historic city of Cape Town is a joint venture between Indian Hotels Company Ltd and city
centre developers Euro cape, with the investment in the project topping R500 million.
Taj Hari Mahal, Jodhpur won the award in 'Hotel Providing Best Facilities for Differently Abled
guest' category. Chef Ananda Solomon, Executive Chef, Taj President Mumbai and Corporate
Chef Taj Group of Hotels along with Chef V.K. Chandrassekaran, Executive Chef Taj West End,
Bangalore has been awarded as 'Best Chef in India' in the National Tourism Awards 2008-2009
by The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.
The Indian Hotels Company Ltd announced a new hotel in North-East India, with the unveiling
the foundation stone for Vivanta by Taj - Guwahati, Assam.
The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower, Mumbai announced the reopening of the elegant and legendary
Ballroom, in the iconic Heritage Wing of the property on the March 30th , 2010.
Indian Hotels Company Limited has been recognised for its employment engagement at the
workplace and is one of the 25 organisations to win the 'Gallup Great Workplace 2010' awards
announced by The Gallup Organization.
The Indian Hotel Company Limitied was chosen by the Credit Suisse Research Institute as one
of the 27 'Great Brands of Tomorrow'.
The Gateway Hotel Beach Road Calicut has been voted India's Best Five Star Hotel in the
National Tourism Awards 2008-2009 by The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.
Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces launches a new brand "Vivanta by Taj" in the Upper Upscale
segment.
2011
Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces opens a new hotel - Vivanta by Taj - Dal View, Srinagar.