Oyo's Spiritual Expansion: 400 New Properties to Meet Growing Demand in Key Hotspots

by  EVENTFAQS Bureau Industry Watch | January 16, 2024 | News

OYO

Oyo, budget hospitality chain revealed its strategic move to introduce 400 new properties in key spiritual destinations across India, responding to the surge in domestic travel and a growing interest in spiritual tourism.

The expansion, scheduled for completion by year-end, will encompass well-known locations including Ayodhya, Puri, Shirdi, Varanasi, Amritsar, Tirupati, Haridwar, Katra-Vaishno Devi, and the Char Dham route.

This initiative follows a remarkable 350% surge in searches for Ayodhya on the Oyo platform over the past year, primarily fueled by the anticipation surrounding the opening of the Ram Mandir on January 22.

Ayodhya has consistently ranked as the top-searched destination on the Oyo app, experiencing a notable 70% increase in app users on New Year’s Eve, surpassing popular leisure destinations like Goa and Nainital.

To accommodate the rising number of pilgrims, Oyo had previously announced the launch of 50 homestays in Ayodhya last year, providing approximately 1,000 rooms.

The newly proposed properties will strategically position themselves near significant landmarks, ensuring convenient access to religious sites and tourist attractions.

With an expected surge in demand for these destinations, Oyo foresees a swift sell-out of these rooms. The company has collaborated with the Ayodhya Development Authority and the Uttar Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation for the establishment of these homestays.

This expansion marks Oyo's commitment to providing comfortable and accessible accommodation options for those embarking on spiritual journeys, aligning with the company's vision to cater to the evolving preferences of travelers in the country.

Ritesh Agarwal, founder and CEO, Oyo, remarked that spiritual tourism in India is on the verge of experiencing a significant surge, positioning itself as one of the most substantial growth drivers for the industry in the next five years.

“The opening of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya stands as a testament to this, and witnessing the excitement firsthand as I join in the grand ceremony will be truly humbling. This renewed fervour for spiritual journeys extends far beyond Ayodhya, with destinations like Puri, Shirdi, and Varanasi experiencing similar excitement,” he said.

“By offering comfortable and affordable accommodation options across these sacred sites, we aim to ensure every spiritual journey finds a welcoming haven, allowing pilgrims to fully immerse themselves in the transformative power of religion and spirituality,” he added.