Travel booking major OYO has announced that it will no longer be allowing entry to unmarried couples. OYO, which has been known for being couple-friendly, will be rolling out these changes starting from its affiliated hotels in Meerut, UP.
The company has made room for the partner hotels' "discretion to decline couple bookings based on their judgment, aligning with local social sensibility."
Travel booking major OYO has announced that it will no longer be allowing entry to unmarried couples. OYO, which has been known for being couple-friendly, will be rolling out these changes starting from its affiliated hotels in Meerut, UP.
As reported by PTI, all couples will be asked to present valid proof of relationship at the time of check-in. These changes will also be valid for bookings made online.
The company has made room for the partner hotels' "discretion to decline couple bookings based on their judgment, aligning with local social sensibility."
"OYO is committed to upholding safe and responsible hospitality practices. While we respect individual freedoms and personal liberty, we also recognise our responsibility to listen to and work with the law enforcement and civil society groups in the micro markets we operate in,” PTI quoted Pawas Sharma, Region Head, OYO North India, as saying.
Based on the feedback from Meerut chains, the changes will be implemented across OYO rooms in India.
As per the company, this change is part of OYO's initiative to "transform outdated perception and project itself as a brand providing safe experience for families, students, business, religious and solo travellers."
The company also added that this change will allow for longer stays at hotels, promoting customer trust and loyalty.
Furthermore, these changes also come after OYO received multiple requests from civil society groups, especially in Meerut, asking for the company to address the issue.
(With PTI inputs)