New Policy Details
The revised rules, reported by PTI, state that, starting from Meerut, unmarried couples will no longer be allowed to check in at OYO partner hotels unless they provide valid relationship proof. This rule applies to both online and offline bookings. OYO has granted its partner hotels the discretion to accept or deny bookings based on their judgment, aligning with local social norms.
Limited Implementation for Now
For the time being, the policy is limited to Meerut. According to OYO, the decision to extend the guidelines to other locations will depend on the responses received from the initial rollout.
Rationale Behind the Change
OYO stated that the updated policy is part of its effort to enhance its brand image. The company aims to provide a safe and comfortable environment for families, students, solo travelers, and business or religious visitors. It also seeks to encourage longer stays and foster repeat bookings.
Social Media Reactions
The announcement has sparked a wave of memes and humorous commentary online. While some users criticized the move, others shared lighthearted takes on the situation. A tweet captured the sentiment with, “OYO is digging its own grave.”
This development highlights OYO’s attempt to balance business interests with societal expectations as it adapts to evolving customer needs.
