OYO, the global hospitality tech leader, announced plans to launch 500 hotels in major Indian pilgrimage destinations, aligning with the government’s push to enhance spiritual tourism. The expansion covers popular hubs such as Ayodhya, Varanasi, Prayagraj, Haridwar, Puri, and more, ensuring quality stays for millions of devotees.

Ayodhya will see the highest focus, with over 150 new hotels to meet rising demand following the Ram Temple inauguration last year. Ayodhya also became the most-searched spiritual destination on the OYO app, recording a 39 per cent growth in searches for New Year holidays. With the temple’s first consecration anniversary on January 22, 2025, the city anticipates a surge in devotees.

OYO will add 100 hotels in Varanasi and 50 each in Prayagraj, Haridwar, and Puri, catering to significant demand, including bookings for Prayagraj’s Maha Kumbh. The hotels will operate under the ‘company-serviced’ category, ensuring enhanced guest experiences.

India’s spiritual tourism market is poised to generate INR 59 billion by 2028, creating 140 million jobs by 2030, according to government data.

[ET]