Oyo, one of the major travel booking companies in the country has revised its policy and will now not allow unmarried couples to check-in to its partner hotels, Press Trust of India (PTI) has reported. Implementation of the revised policy will reportedly begin from Meerut.
Media reports are saying that couples who would want to check-in will have to furnish valid proof of their relationship.
"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," said people familiar with the matter as quoted by Hindustan Times.
PTI quoted Pawan Sharma, Reagion Head, Oyo North India.
“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. We will continue to review this policy and its impact periodically," he said.
The company has been quoted in media reports as saying that the aim behind this initiative was to 'transform outdated perception' and provide 'safe experience for families, students, business, religious and solo travellers'.
The company is also aiming to promote longer stays.
