Unmarried Couples Denied Hotel Rooms in This City, Says OYO

OYO, one of the leading travel and hotel booking platforms in India, has introduced a significant change in its check-in policy. The new rule, which will be effective starting this year, requires all couples, including those who have made online reservations, to provide valid proof of their relationship when checking in at OYO partner hotels. This move is part of the company’s broader strategy to align its services with evolving societal expectations and concerns.

Policy Implementation Begins in Meerut

The new policy will first be implemented in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, based on the feedback from local civil society groups and residents. OYO has already instructed its partner hotels in the city to begin enforcing this rule immediately. The decision follows several requests from local communities in Meerut and other cities, urging OYO to take measures to prevent unmarried couples from checking in to their hotels. The company has stated that this policy could be extended to other cities in the future, depending on the feedback from the ground.

Requests from Civil Society Groups and Residents

OYO has received multiple requests from civil society organizations, particularly in Meerut, asking the company to take action on this issue. Residents from other cities have also petitioned OYO to implement a policy that prevents unmarried couples from checking into their hotels. This growing demand has played a significant role in shaping the company's decision to introduce the new check-in rule.

The feedback from these groups has been taken into consideration by OYO to ensure that its services align with local cultural values and societal concerns. The company has emphasized that the new policy is designed to foster a safe and secure environment for all types of travelers, including families, business travelers, students, and religious visitors.

OYO's Commitment to Family-Friendly and Safe Hospitality

Pawas Sharma, the Region Head for OYO North India, explained that this new initiative is part of the company's ongoing efforts to modernize its image and ensure that its hotels provide a safe experience for all guests. OYO aims to transform its brand perception, projecting itself as a trustworthy and family-friendly choice for all types of travelers. The company has worked to create an environment that caters not only to business and solo travelers but also to families and religious visitors, offering a safe, respectful, and enjoyable experience.

OYO's commitment to safety is reflected in its broader initiatives, which include hosting joint seminars with local police and hotel partners on best practices for safe hospitality. These seminars are aimed at educating hotel staff on how to provide a secure and welcoming environment for guests. Furthermore, OYO has taken action against hotels that have been involved in promoting immoral activities, ensuring that only reputable properties carry the OYO name.

In addition to these efforts, OYO has been proactive in blacklisting hotels that fail to adhere to its standards or are found engaging in unauthorized activities. This is part of a larger strategy to maintain the integrity of the OYO brand and ensure that its hotels are safe and reliable for all types of guests.

Looking Ahead: The Future of OYO's Policy and Its Impact

As the new check-in policy takes effect in Meerut, OYO will continue to monitor the response from customers, civil society groups, and local authorities. The company has expressed its willingness to adjust the policy if necessary, based on feedback from its partners and guests.

The implementation of this rule is seen as a response to the changing needs of OYO’s customer base and the broader cultural shift in how hotels are viewed in India. With growing concerns about the safety and security of unmarried couples traveling together, OYO’s new policy is an attempt to balance customer preferences with the expectations of local communities.

In the coming months, OYO will likely assess the success of the policy in Meerut before deciding whether to expand it to other cities. The company’s priority remains to ensure a safe, inclusive, and family-friendly environment for all travelers, while continuing to adapt its policies to meet local demands and expectations.

Researched by 50news and moviezdekho