In a strategic move to tap into the growing interest in spiritual tourism, OYO, the renowned hospitality tech platform, announced its ambitious plan to launch 400 properties in major spiritual destinations across India by the end of this year. The company’s decision comes in response to a remarkable surge in domestic travel and a burgeoning demand for comfortable accommodations in spiritual hotspots.
Among the key locations earmarked for expansion are Ayodhya, Varanasi, Tirupati, and Katra-Vaishno Devi. According to a statement released by OYO, there has been a 350 percent increase in searches for Ayodhya on its platform over the past year, driven by the anticipation surrounding the grand opening of the Ram Mandir on January 22, 2024.
OYO Founder and Group CEO, Ritesh Agarwal, expressed excitement about the project, stating, “Spiritual tourism in India is on the precipice of a monumental surge, poised to be one of the biggest growth drivers of our industry in the coming 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.”
The planned properties will cover a spectrum of spiritual destinations, including Ayodhya, Puri, Shirdi, Varanasi, Amritsar, Tirupati, Haridwar, Katra-Vaishno Devi, and the Char Dham route. OYO aims to offer comfortable and affordable accommodation options to cater to the growing interest in spiritual journeys.
Renewed enthusiasm for spiritual travel is not limited to Ayodhya alone, with destinations like Puri, Shirdi, and Varanasi experiencing similar excitement, according to Agarwal. He emphasized OYO’s commitment to ensuring that every spiritual journey finds a welcoming haven, allowing pilgrims to fully immerse themselves in the transformative power of religion and spirituality.
To accommodate the surge in pilgrims, particularly in Ayodhya, OYO has already launched 50 homestays, providing approximately 1,000 rooms strategically situated near key landmarks. The company has also forged partnerships with the Ayodhya Development Authority and Uttar Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation to facilitate smooth and timely operations.
As the spiritual tourism landscape continues to evolve, OYO’s bold move reflects the shifting preferences of travelers and a commitment to providing tailored experiences for those seeking a deeper connection with their spiritual roots.
