This agreement comes as both outbound and inbound tourism to India continues to flourish.

Under the partnership, Taj will make its global collection of nearly 80 premier hotels and resorts available through a portfolio of Orbitz Worldwide brands, including Orbitz CheapTickets, ebookers.com and HotelClub.

"The addition of Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces gives Orbitz Worldwide access to another true luxury brand that our customers can rely upon for a first-class experience," said Peggy Bianco, vice president of global hotel supplier relations, Orbitz Worldwide, Inc.

"Taj nicely compliments our international growth strategy and further demonstrates the value being delivered by our growing hotel sourcing teams outside the U.S."

Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces is one of Asia's largest hotel chains, comprised of 60 hotels in 42 locations across India, with an additional 18 international hotels in the U.S., Maldives, Mauritius, Malaysia, Australia, UK, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Africa and the Middle East.

"As we continue with an aggressive plan for domestic and international expansion, it's critical to reach the millions of travelers who've embraced online booking through channels like those offered by Orbitz Worldwide," said Puneet Mahindroo, Corporate Director of Revenue Management & Global Distribution, Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces.

"Additionally, this distribution partnership will provide access to an increasing number of tech-savvy travelers to the Taj brand of hotels across the globe."

The Orbitz Worldwide/Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces agreement comes as both outbound and inbound tourism to India continues to flourish. Foreign tourist arrivals, according to India's Ministry of Tourism, reached more than five million in 2007 -- a growth rate of nearly 15 percent over 2006.