OYO Hotels has introduced new check-in directives allowing its partner hotels in Meerut to deny bookings to unmarried couples. This policy, currently exclusive to Meerut, stems from feedback received from civil society groups in the vicinity. The decision marks a significant shift in the hospitality chain's operations, as it seeks to balance social sensitivities with its business model.
Meerut, a city located about an hour’s drive from India's capital, New Delhi, is the first location where OYO has implemented this policy. The company has not ruled out the possibility of extending these directives to other cities, depending on the response and feedback it garners. However, not all hotels under the OYO brand in Meerut are subject to this policy; it specifically targets partner hotels.
Pawas Sharma, the regional head for North India at OYO, highlighted the company's commitment to safe and responsible hospitality practices.
"OYO is committed to upholding safe and responsible hospitality practices." – Pawas Sharma
While the policy is not a blanket ban on unmarried couples, it reflects a cautious approach to hospitality that responds to societal feedback. OYO operates a budget hotel booking platform and regularly adjusts its policies based on feedback from various stakeholders. However, they have not provided a specific reason for this particular policy change.
The move has sparked a debate over personal freedoms and the role of hospitality businesses in regulating customer behavior. Some argue that such policies could infringe on individual rights, while others believe they are necessary to maintain social decorum.
For now, the new directives remain confined to Meerut. The potential expansion of these policies hinges on the reception from both local communities and customers. OYO has not specified how it will measure this response nor provided a timeline for possible expansion.
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