OYO, a prominent travel booking platform, recently introduced a new check-in policy for its partner hotels, starting in Meerut, which will be effective this year.
According to the updated guidelines, unmarried couples will no longer be allowed to check-in, PTI reported.
All couples, including those with online reservations, will be required to provide valid proof of their relationship when checking in, as per the updated OYO guidelines.
The platform has given its partner hotels the discretion to decide whether to accept or deny couple bookings, based on the hotel’s judgment and local social norms, the company explained.
Ban on check-ins for unmarried couples to begin with Meerut hotels
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.
“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.
According to Pawas Sharma, Region Head, OYO North India, the initiative is a part of OYO’s programme to transform its outdated perceptions and project itself as a brand capable of providing a safe experience for families, students, business, religious and solo travellers, the company said.
Additionally, the programme also aims to encourage longer stays and repeat bookings, enhancing customer trust and loyalty.
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.
