The Taj hotel brand has been recognized as the world’s strongest hotel brand in 2025, according to the latest Brand Finance “Hotels 50 2025” report.
Brand Finance’s annual ranking evaluates the strength and value of the world’s top hotel brands based on a Brand Strength Index, which includes metrics such as brand investment, stakeholder equity and business performance.
The Taj brand earned a Brand Strength Index score of 92.2 out of 100, securing an AAA+ rating—the top possible ranking for brand strength. The 2025 report marks the fourth occasion Taj has received the world’s strongest ranking.
Puneet Chhatwal, managing director and chief executive officer of Indian Hotels Company Ltd., said: “The dual honour of Taj being ranked as India’s Strongest Brand across sectors and World’s Strongest Hotel Brand in 2025 underscores Taj’s position as a global icon of hospitality. For over a century, Taj has stood for trust and resilience and has transcended to become an emotion in the hearts and minds of its guests, partners and colleagues — guided by its purpose of pioneering responsible change, creating value and shaping the future, anchored in the enduring essence of ‘Tajness’”.
He added: “As we look at unlocking India’s tourism potential and showcasing Indian hospitality in key gateway cities across the globe, we remain committed to IHCL’s ESG+ framework of Paathya for building a responsible future, one that is more sustainable and inclusive”.
David Haigh, chief executive officer and founder of Brand Finance, responded: “Taj hotels continues to be close to my heart and over the years I have seen it becoming stronger and more endearing. Taj is again ranked No.1 Strongest brand in our Global Hotels 2025 report and Strongest brand in our India 100 report 2025. It’s a testament of consistency of brand experience and the social responsibility it has embraced while maintaining its highest luxury standards. The strategic expansion of Taj hotels clearly defines its ability to leverage potential and create momentum in its continued growth”.
Brand Finance reported that in India, Taj scored perfect 10s for brand knowledge and selection. Nationwide awareness stands at 97 percent, familiarity at 91 percent and preference at 38 percent.
Taj operates more than 134 hotels across 14 countries, encompassing luxury city hotels, palaces, safari lodges, resorts and serviced residences. The brand is also India’s strongest across industries, earning the highest ranking on Brand Finance’s India 100 2025 list.
The report also affirmed Hilton as the world’s most valuable hotel brand for the 10th consecutive year, with a brand value of USD 15.1 billion. Hyatt ranked second at USD 8 billion and Marriott third at USD 3.8 billion. The total brand value of the top 50 hotel brands rose 4 percent to USD 58.8 billion.
Although Taj ranked 39th in overall brand value, its performance highlights the brand’s strength in consumer perception, consistency and service quality . The Brand Finance rankings are based on consumer research across over 6,000 brands and 41 countries.
Brand Finance’s Hotel 50 2025 report underscores a rebound in leisure and experience-led travel while also highlighting recovery in Asia-Pacific markets.
Brand Finance Hotel 50 2025 snapshot
- World’s strongest hotel brand: Taj (BSI 92.2/100, AAA+)
- World’s most valuable hotel brand: Hilton (USD 15.1 billion)
- Top three by value: Hilton, Hyatt (USD 8 billion), Marriott (USD 3.8 billion)
- Total brand value (top 50): USD 58.8 billion (+4%)
Taj’s recognition reinforces its standing as a heritage-driven brand that blends trusted service, cultural authenticity and sustainable growth.
Pic credit: https://www.ihcltata.com/press-room/taj-a-global-icon-of-hospitality-is-world’s-strongest-hotel-brand-2025
