The Tatas have sought a “formal apology” from Orient-Express Hotels (OEH) for its outrageous comments about Indian Hotels, popularly known as the Taj Hotels.
OEH chief executive Paul White had written to Indian Hotels vice-chairman RK Krishna Kumar, snubbing the Tatas’ bid for the global super-luxury chain. A tie-up with the “predominantly Indian” Taj would erode OEH’s brand image, White had said.
In his response, Krishna Kumar said: “The purpose of this letter is not to pursue a dialogue directly with you but instead to set the record straight on our intentions in approaching your company,” and went on to present a point-by-point rebuttal of White’s charges.
“We ask that OEH publish a formal apology to Taj Hotels. Taj Hotels is a proud Indian company, and it will persevere with its global expansion strategy. Indian companies will continue to play a meaningful role in... global economic integration and... will take their rightful place in the international arena,” Krishna Kumar said.