OYO Updates Check-In Policy: Unmarried Couples Required to Provide Proof of Relationship
OYO Updates Check-In Policy: Unmarried Couples Required to Provide Proof of Relationship
OYO, a leading travel booking platform, has introduced a revised check-in policy in Meerut, where unmarried couples will need to present valid proof of their relationship to secure a booking. The new policy grants partner hotels the discretion to deny check-ins to unmarried couples, citing alignment with local social norms.
The policy, implemented this year, applies to all bookings, including those made online. OYO stated that the decision stems from feedback received from civil society groups in Meerut and petitions from residents of other cities requesting similar measures. The company plans to assess the impact of this policy in Meerut and may expand it to other cities based on feedback.
Speaking about the change, Pawas Sharma, OYO’s Region Head for North India, said, “OYO is committed to promoting safe and responsible hospitality practices. While we respect individual freedoms, we are equally focused on addressing concerns raised by law enforcement and community groups in specific regions.”
This initiative is part of OYO’s broader effort to reshape its brand image as a provider of safe and family-friendly hospitality. The company is also working on initiatives to enhance customer trust, including hosting seminars on safe hospitality with law enforcement and hotel partners, blacklisting establishments linked to unethical practices, and taking action against unauthorized use of OYO branding.
By introducing these measures, OYO aims to foster trust among families, students, business travelers, and solo travelers while encouraging longer stays and repeat bookings. The company has emphasized its commitment to periodically review and adapt this policy to ensure a balance between personal freedoms and societal concerns.
