Hotel booking company OYO has modified its check-in policy at partner hotels and introduced guidelines this yr stating that single couples aren’t any longer allowed to check-in. The latest rule will initially be applicable in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh.
All couples wishing to make a reservation shall be required to present valid proof of relationship upon check-in. Under the revised guidelines, this rule also applies to online bookings. OYO has left partner hotels free to just accept or decline bookings based on their very own judgment, in keeping with local social sensitivities, PTI said, quoting the corporate’s statement.
These guidelines could have an instantaneous impact on OYO partner hotels in Meerut. Based on feedback from the sphere, the corporate plans to expand the policy to more cities, in line with the report, citing people aware of the policy.
They said: “OYO has received feedback in the past from civil society groups, especially in Meerut, calling for action to address this issue. Additionally, residents of several other cities have filed petitions to ban unmarried couples from checking in at OYO hotels.”
The revised policy is a component of the travel booking company’s initiative to vary outdated perceptions and promote itself as a brand that gives protected experiences for families, students, business, religious and single travelers, an OYO report cited. The company also goals to advertise longer stays and repeat bookings.
Hotels on the blacklist
OYO has launched pan-India initiatives, including joint seminars on protected hospitality with partner hotels and the police. As part of this initiative, it’s blacklisting hotels allegedly promoting immoral activities and taking motion against unauthorized hotels using the OYO brand, he added.
“OYO is committed to protected and responsible hospitality practices. We respect individual liberties and private liberty, but we also recognize our responsibility to take heed to and cooperate with law enforcement and civil society groups within the micro markets through which we operate. We will proceed to review this policy and its impact periodically,” said Pawas Sharma, Regional Director, OYO North India PTI.
