OYO Modifies Check-in Policies to Bar Unmarried Couples from Entering

One of the top travel and hotel booking websites in India, OYO, announced a significant policy change for its partner hotels on 5th January. The new rules state that unmarried couples would no longer be permitted to check in at the establishments. According to the corporation, the new regulation will initially only be in effect in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh.

According to Pawas Sharma, OYO North India's Region Head, maintaining responsible and safe hospitality practices is a priority for the brand. In addition to upholding individual liberties, the business must cooperate with law enforcement and local communities to provide a peaceful workplace.

Empowering Hotel Partners

The business added that unmarried couples might not be accommodated, and hotel partners have the right to turn down reservations in accordance with regional customs. OYO claims that the action is a part of a larger plan to respond to community input and change its reputation as a reliable and secure lodging option for families, business travellers, students, religious pilgrims, and lone travellers.

OYO's ruling came after civil society organisations, especially in Meerut, repeatedly called for stronger laws prohibiting unmarried couples from staying. Residents of other cities have submitted similar petitions, so the company decided to test the policy in Meerut and, depending on response, consider extending it to other areas.

The policy is now only applicable in Meerut. OYO states that the feedback from the initial launch will determine whether or not the guidelines are extended to more places.

OYO’s Business and Financial Dynamics

Redsprig Innovation Partners, the company founded by Ritesh Agarwal, contributed INR 550 Cr, or around $65 million, to OYO last week. In order to obtain funds, the business issued 12.91 Cr equity shares at an issue price of INR 42.6 per share, according to its filings with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.

OYO is a hospitality services firm that was founded in 2012 by Agarwal and offers reasonably priced lodging options to clients worldwide. It states that it provides over 40 integrated products and solutions in over 35 countries, including Southeast Asia, Europe, and India. In the second quarter of the current fiscal year, which concluded in September, OYO's parent company reported a net profit of INR 158 Cr. This follows a profit of INR 132 Cr in the previous quarter (Q1 FY25). This represents a 19.6% sequential increase. From INR 1,413 Cr in Q1 FY25 to INR 1,578 Cr in Q2 FY25, the company's revenue increased by 12%.

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