Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts and Mumbai-based
Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces reached an agreement to allow for reciprocal benefits
for loyalty program members, starting next March.
Taj InnerCircle members will be able to redeem awards and
convert points at Shangri-La’s 95 hotels in 22 countries, while Shangri-La
Golden Circle members will be eligible to do the same at Taj’s 100 hotels
worldwide.
The two companies have 6 million loyalty members combined
and say the agreement will be especially effective because China and India are
two of the world’s fastest-growing markets for outbound travel.
Taj debuted its loyalty program last year, while Shangri-La
has been operating its program for five years.