NEW YORK HOTEL ACHIEVES GREEN GLOBE BENCHMARK STATUS

THE PIERRE HOTEL IN NEW YORK ACHIEVES GREEN GLOBE BENCHMARK STATUS

NEW YORK (April 21, 2010) - The Pierre hotel achieves its first sustainability certification level from the prestigious Green Globe program, a worldwide benchmarking, certification and performance improvement organization that assists the travel and tourism industry members to attain sustainability.

Green Globe is based on Agenda of 21 principles for Sustainable Development endorsed by 182 Heads of State at the United Nations Earth Summit in 1992. This award recognizes The Pierre's efforts to deliver continuous environmental improvements and to secure a sustainable future for the hotel. Each certification level is audited by an accredited independent third-party auditor who reviews indicators such as energy efficiency, non-renewable resource management, waste minimization and recycling to benchmark key aspects of environmental and social performance by the hotel.

"Our green initiatives help to preserve precious resources while creating a better working environment for our employees, and a superior stay for our guests," said Heiko Kuenstle, general manager of The Pierre. "By using renewable resources and becoming more energy efficient, we are doing what we can to move towards a more sustainable future."

About The Pierre
The Pierre, on Fifth Avenue overlooking Central Park, is New York's newest AAA Five Diamond hotel. First opened in 1930, the iconic hotel with 189 guestrooms, including 49 suites, was acquired by Taj Hotels, Resorts & Palaces as the luxury chain's U.S. flagship in 2005. The Pierre, a member of Leading Hotels of the World, re-opened June 1, 2009, following a $100 million renovation and redesign of all guestrooms and bath interiors. The Pierre features a new restaurant, Le Caprice, and a new destination lounge and bar, Two E. To book reservations, please call 1-800-743-7734 or visit www.tajhotels.com/pierre/.

About Taj Hotels, Resorts and Palaces
Established in 1903, Taj Hotels, Resorts and Palaces is one of Asia's largest and finest groups of hotels, comprising 67 hotels in 45 locations across India with an additional 16 international hotels in the Maldives, Malaysia, Australia, UK, USA, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Africa, South Africa and the Middle East. From world-renowned landmarks to modern business hotels, idyllic beach resorts to authentic Rajput palaces, each Taj hotel offers an unrivalled fusion of warm Indian hospitality, world-class service and modern luxury. The Taj, a symbol of Indian hospitality, has recently completed the centenary of its landmark hotel, The Taj Mahal Palace and Tower, Mumbai. Taj Hotels, Resorts and Palaces is part of the Tata Group, India's premier business house. For more information on Taj Hotels, Resorts and Palaces: www.tajhotels.com.

# # #