OYO Revises Check-in Policy for Unmarried Couples

Known for being couple-friendly, travel booking platform OYO Hotels & Homes has implemented a revised check-in policy for unmarried couples staying at its partner hotels in Meerut. This policy, which may be expanded to other cities, requires couples to present valid proof of their relationship at the time of check-in, including for online bookings. The new guidelines will be effective starting this year.

Pawas Sharma, Region Head, OYO North India, told news agency PTI, “OYO is committed to upholding safe and responsible hospitality practices. While we respect individual freedoms and personal liberty, we also recognise our responsibility to listen to and work with the law enforcement and civil society groups in the micro markets we operate in. We will continue to review this policy and its impact periodically.”

Implementation Begins in Meerut

OYO has given the directive to its partner hotels in Meerut to ensure this with immediate effect. Based on ground feedback, the company may expand this to more cities, people familiar with the policy change said.

Feedback from Civil Society Groups

“OYO has received feedback in the past from civil society groups especially in Meerut urging action to address this issue. Additionally, residents from few other cities have petitioned for disallowing unmarried couples to check-in at OYO hotels,” they said.

Based on ground feedback, the company may expand this to more cities, PTI reported. The initiative is a part of OYO’s programme to transform outdated perception and project itself as a brand providing safe experience for families, students, business, religious and solo travellers, the company said.

Enhancing Brand Image and Customer Trust

“The initiative is a part of OYO’s programmed to transform outdated perception and project itself as a brand providing safe experience for families, students, business, religious and solo travelers, the company said. Additionally, the programme aims to encourage longer stays and repeat bookings, enhancing customer trust and loyalty.

Pan-India Initiatives for Safe Hospitality

OYO has started pan-India initiatives such as joint seminars on safe hospitality with police and hotel partners, blacklisting hotels reportedly promoting immoral activities and initiating actions against unauthorised hotels using OYO branding, it added.

Focus on Responsible Hospitality and Community Concerns

This policy change stems from a combination of factors:

• Community Feedback: OYO has received feedback from civil society groups and residents in certain locations expressing concerns about unmarried couples staying together at its hotels.
• Commitment to Safe Hospitality: OYO emphasizes its commitment to upholding safe and responsible hospitality practices. This includes collaborating with law enforcement and local communities to address concerns and ensure the safety and well-being of all guests.

Policy Implementation and Impact

• Local Discretion: Partner hotels in Meerut are now empowered to accept or decline couple bookings based on their judgment and local social sensibilities.
• Proof of Relationship: All couples, regardless of booking method, will be required to provide valid proof of their relationship upon check-in.
• Potential for Wider Implementation: Based on the success and feedback from this pilot program in Meerut, OYO may extend this policy to other cities where similar concerns exist.

OYO’s Initiatives for Safe Hospitality

OYO is actively working to enhance guest safety and improve its brand image through various initiatives, including:

• Collaboration with Law Enforcement: Joint seminars with police and hotel partners are conducted to educate stakeholders on responsible hospitality practices and address safety concerns.
• Blacklisting of Offending Hotels: OYO has implemented a system to blacklist hotels found to be involved in illegal or unethical activities, such as promoting immoral activities.
• Combating Unauthorized Use of Branding: OYO actively takes action against unauthorized hotels using its branding.

Enhancing Customer Trust and Loyalty

By prioritizing safety and addressing community concerns, OYO aims to:

• Transform its Brand Perception: Position itself as a brand that provides a safe and comfortable experience for all travelers, including families, students, business travelers, and solo travelers.
• Encourage Longer Stays: Foster an environment where guests feel safe and secure, thereby encouraging longer stays and repeat bookings.
• Build Customer Trust and Loyalty: Strengthen guest trust and loyalty by demonstrating a commitment to responsible hospitality and guest well-being.

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional advice.