On Sunday (5th January), OYO, India’s leading travel and hotel booking platform, announced a major overhaul in its policy for its partner hotels. It has now introduced guidelines that bars unmarried couples from checking in at the properties.
According to the company statement, the new rule will initially be applicable only in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh.
Regional Head of OYO North India, Pawas Sharma said, “We are committed to upholding safe and responsible hospitality practices. While respecting personal freedoms, we must also collaborate with local communities and law enforcement to ensure a harmonious operating environment”.
The updated rules necessitates all married couples to provide valid proof of relationship during check-in, including for online bookings. These rules will immediately affect OYO’s partner hotels in Meerut.
Furthermore, the company stated that they may bar unmarried couples in accommodation, however, they have left the discretion to hotel partners whether or not to decline bookings as it is based on local social norms.
According to OYO, the move is part of a broader initiative to address community feedback. It now wants to boast its image as a safe and trusted accommodation provider for families, businessmen, students, religious pilgrims, and solo travellers.
The decision by OYO comes at a time when there have been repeated appeals from civil society groups, especially in UP’s Meerut, to enforce stricter regulations for giving accommodation for unmarried couples.
While similar appeals have come to light from other cities as well, OYO is testing the pilot policy in Meerut. If the feedback turns out to be positive, it will consider expanding it to other locations.
Apart from this regulation, OYO has also brought several nationwide initiatives. This includes hosting joint seminars with the police and hotel partners to promote safe hospitality practices, blacklisting hotels involved in immoral activities, and taking action against unauthorised establishments that misuse the OYO brand.
