Hotel companies in India bank on loyalty programmes to attract customers

Earlier in March, the Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), under its loyalty program, Taj InnerCircle, reached 10 million members

Hotel companies in India are not only focusing on expanding their presence in the country by increasing the number of properties but are also collaborating with other firms to ramp up membership to their loyalty programmes.

 

One of the recent collaborations is IndiGo’s BluChipRewards and Accor Hotel’s ALL Accor Live Limitless loyalty programme, which allows customers to earn and redeem points across IndiGo’s flights and stays in Accor hotels.

 

Meanwhile, Marriott International has partnered HDFC Bank to introduce India’s first co-branded hotel credit card, Marriott Bonvoy HDFC Credit Card, said Khushnooma Kapadia, vice-president, marketing, South Asia, Marriott International.

 

This allows its members facilities like room upgrades, airport lounge access, membership in the golf programme, and access to concierge services. In general, Marriott Bonvoy members have benefits such as free nights, room upgrades, exclusive travel packages, and curated experiences across its portfolio worldwide. 

 

Earlier in March, the Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), under its loyalty programme, Taj InnerCircle, reached 10 million members.

 

Parveen Chander Kumar, executive vice-president, commercial, IHCL, said in a statement that the hotel’s loyalty-driven revenue comprises over 40 per cent of IHCL’s total enterprise revenue.

 

The programme also significantly broadened IHCL’s digital footprint across its portfolio, the release stated. 

 

Nikhil Sharma, managing director (MD) and chief operating officer (COO), Radisson Hotel Group, South Asia, said that its loyalty programme, Radisson Rewards, is based on three core pillars — personalisation, flexibility, and sustainability.

 

He added that members can get dynamic redemption options, such as using points for award nights, combining points with cash for bookings, or even offsetting their carbon footprint. The international hotel brand has also integrated its programme to cater to professional bookers and planners, allowing them to earn and redeem points for both personal and professional travel. 

 

Similarly, Hyatt Hotels has recently launched the Hyatt SuperStars Programme, an initiative that recognises and rewards wedding and event planners with World of Hyatt points, said Deepa Krishnan, head of marketing, India and Southwest Asia, Hyatt India Consultancy.

 

She added that India remains a key market for their World of Hyatt loyalty programme. In general, its members get exclusive perks such as suite upgrades, complimentary nights, and bespoke dining experiences.

 

 

Hotel	Loyalty Program	Members in India (in Million)	Operational Hotels in India	Under Pipeline in India
Indian Hotels Company	Taj InnerCircle	10	243	137
Marriott International	Marriott Bonvoy	7*	158	111
Radisson Hotels Group	Radisson Rewards	2.2**	128	77
Accor Hotels	ALL Accor Live Limitless	2.1	71	40
Hyatt Hotels	World of Hyatt	2 (approx)***	50	6
Source: as provided by the hotel companies

       

*Ranju Alex, Regional Vice President, South Asia, Marriott International, said at a panel discussion at Hotel Investment Conference-South Asia (HICSA)

        ** as of February 2025         *** as of December 2024