In an exciting move that marks a significant step forward in the Indian hospitality landscape, OYO, a leading hospitality technology company, announced plans to add 500 new hotels across major religious centers in India. This expansion, revealed on January 22, 2025, reflects the growing demand for quality accommodation driven by the booming interest in spiritual tourism across the country.
One of the key focal points of this expansion is Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Ram and home to the newly inaugurated Ram Temple. OYO plans to add over 150 hotels in the city, responding to the surging demand for premium lodging since the opening of the temple last year. With the rise of both domestic and international tourists visiting Ayodhya, the hospitality industry is racing to keep up with the demand for top-notch accommodations.
Why Ayodhya?
Ayodhya's significance as a pilgrimage site has skyrocketed in recent years, particularly after the Ram Temple was officially inaugurated in 2024. The city has quickly become one of the most sought-after religious destinations in India, seeing a massive spike in search activity. According to OYO’s internal data, Ayodhya was the most searched religious destination for New Year holidays in 2025, with searches on the OYO app showing a 39% year-on-year growth.
Vijay Kumar Singh, the owner of Shri Balaji Hospitality in Ayodhya, shared his excitement about the opportunity, stating, "I began with just three hotels in Ayodhya last year, and I am now planning to add 10 more in 2025. The steady increase in tourists visiting the city, coupled with the government's focused efforts on improving infrastructure, gives me immense confidence to scale up my expansion plans."
OYO's National Expansion Plan
While Ayodhya will be the centerpiece of OYO’s expansion, the company is also setting its sights on several other prominent pilgrimage destinations across India. The expansion includes adding 100 hotels in Varanasi, 50 each in Prayagraj, Haridwar, and Puri, along with other religious cities like Mathura, Vrindavan, Amritsar, Ujjain, Ajmer, Nasik, and Tirupati.
The company's strategy is driven by the rising popularity of spiritual tourism in India. OYO has seen a particularly sharp increase in booking requests for major pilgrimage events like the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, where requests have already surpassed the available inventory. This surge in demand highlights the growing need for quality accommodations at major religious events and in surrounding areas.
OYO's Commitment to Quality
As part of this expansion, most of the new hotels will fall under the 'company serviced' category. This means OYO will be directly involved in the operations of these hotels to ensure a high-quality guest experience, from booking to check-out. With spiritual tourism on the rise, OYO is keen on providing both convenience and comfort to the growing number of pilgrims.
"We are collaborating with the tourism departments of all major states to better understand their specific needs and priorities.
Our focus is on launching strategically located hotels, particularly in key religious centers, to cater to the growing demand for high-quality accommodations among pilgrims and visitors," said Varun Jain, Chief Operating Officer of OYO India.
The Future of Spiritual Tourism in India
According to OYO's Travelopedia 2024 report, spiritual tourism is set to continue its upward trajectory, with Puri, Varanasi, and Haridwar emerging as the top destinations for spiritual travelers. The company is closely monitoring emerging trends in religious tourism, including evolving visitor preferences and seasonal travel patterns. By staying ahead of these trends, OYO aims to position itself as the go-to choice for pilgrims seeking comfortable, reliable, and accessible lodging.
As India continues to be a hub for spiritual seekers, OYO’s expansion plans are a timely and strategic response to the booming market for spiritual tourism. Whether you're traveling to Ayodhya for the Ram Temple or to Varanasi for the Ganges, OYO's new hotels promise to offer a superior experience, ensuring pilgrims and tourists alike have a memorable and comfortable journey.
In conclusion, OYO's ambitious plans to add 500 hotels at major religious destinations in India reflect the company’s commitment to catering to the evolving needs of spiritual tourists. With Ayodhya at the heart of this expansion, the company is poised to lead the way in providing high-quality accommodations that meet the needs of a rapidly growing and increasingly discerning travel market.
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