A timeless legend, a pioneering enterpreneur and an exceptional visionary; above all, a compassionate humanist whose vision and ideas helped shape the face of modern India. Our eminent founder, Mr. Jamsetji Nusserwanji Tata, began with a textile mill in central India in the 1870s and possessed of a spirit of entrepreneurial adventure and acumen never seen before or since in a native of colonial India. His vision inspired the steel and power industries in India, set the foundation for technical education, and helped the country leapfrog into the ranks of industrialised nations.
Pioneering Spirit
Incorporated in 1899 by the founder of the Tata Group Mr. Jamsetji Tata, IHCL opened its first hotel, The Taj Mahal Palace, Bombay (now Mumbai) – in 1903. Dubbed as the best hotel East of Suez, this hotel transformed the face of Bombay and introduced authentic Indian hospitality to the world while bringing global luxuries to the country. The founder, Jamsetji Tata’s efforts were always to show India what lies beyond the seas, making India’s dreams his own. His vision of being the best of the best continues to drive us even today, as we prepare ourselves for the bright prospects and disruptive challenges of tomorrow.
Always aim at perfection, for only then will you achieve excellence.
If you want to walk fast, walk alone. But if you want to walk far, walk together.
THE TATA GROUP
IHCL is an integral part and represents the hospitality arm of the Tata Group - India's foremost value-based corporation — a visionary, a pioneer, a leader, since its inception 1868. The Tata group today operates in more than 100 countries across six continents, with a mission 'To improve the quality of life of the communities we serve globally, through long-term stakeholder value creation based on Leadership with Trust’.
Tata Sons is the principal investment holding company and promoter of Tata companies. Sixty-six percent of the equity share capital of Tata Sons is held by philanthropic trusts, which support education, health, livelihood generation and art and culture.
A Glorious History
of Firsts
The opening of IHCLs first hotel, The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai, was reported as ‘a resplendent debut’ by the New York Times. The hotel introduced jazz and cabaret in the country and was the first hotel in India to have a licensed bar and electric elevators. Since then till now, IHCL has been the pioneer in bringing to the nation, and the world, a glorious list of firsts. From opening the doors to India’s living grand Palaces, to establishing nation’s most-exclusive club, The Chambers, and from discovering and creating landmark tourism destinations like Goa & Kerala to hoisting the tricolour globally with iconic hotels in Europe and the USA, IHCL has always played a leadership role in the global hospitality landscape.
OUR KEY Milestones
In a free enterprise, the community is not just another stakeholder, but is infact the very purpose of its existence.