- Oneworld and IHCL launch first airline hotel loyalty tie-up.
- The partnership covers 630 plus IHCL hotels across.
- Oneworld Emerald members get a 15 percent discount on stays.
The tie-up is described as the first of its kind between a global airline alliance and a hotel group,the company said in a statement. In practical terms, the partnership links airline and hotel loyalty programs, allowing frequent flyers on oneworld airlines to get benefits at IHCL hotels without joining a separate hotel loyalty program.
Oneworld was founded in 1999 with 15 member airlines serving nearly 1,000 destinations worldwide.
The partnership gives oneworld Emerald, Sapphire and Ruby loyalty members access to savings on stays across IHCL’s portfolio of more than 630 hotels across 4 continents , including brands such as Taj, SeleQtions, Vivanta and Ginger.
On the benefits side, oneworld Emerald members will receive a 15 percent discount, while Ruby and Sapphire members will receive 10 percent off room rates, food and spa services at participating IHCL properties.
"We are pleased to bring together the world's premium airline alliance with IHCL's Taj InnerCircle,” said Ole Orvér, oneworld’s chief executive officer. “With 10 million international customers travelling to and from India each year on oneworld member airlines, this partnership recognises and rewards our customers across a key global market.”
Puneet Chhatwal, IHCL managing director and chief executive officer said the partnership with oneworld brings together two global leaders to redefine how travel and hospitality intersect.
"As we expand Taj's international footprint, this alliance will strengthen our ability to engage a wider global audience,” he said.
The tie-up also brings in reciprocal loyalty recognition. Oneworld Emerald members will be matched to Taj InnerCircle NeuPass Gold status, while Sapphire and Ruby members get NeuPass Silver. On the other side, Taj InnerCircle NeuPass Gold and Platinum members with a oneworld airline frequent flyer membership will be matched to oneworld Sapphire status.Copper and Silver members will receive oneworld Ruby status.
In February, IHCL reported a portfolio of 615 hotels and advanced its Accelerate 2030 strategy through new signings, openings and acquisitions in the wellness and boutique hospitality segments.
