Hospitality giant OYO has found itself at the center of controversy following a recent print advertisement that did not sit well with a section of the public. The ad, which promoted OYO’s presence in key pilgrimage destinations, featured the tagline, “Bhagwan har jagah hain, aur OYO bhi,” meaning “God is everywhere, and so is OYO.” However, this comparison sparked outrage, with critics arguing that it was insensitive to religious sentiments.
Following the ad’s release, a wave of criticism erupted on social media, leading to the hashtag #BoycottOYO trending on ‘X’ (formerly Twitter). Many users demanded an apology from the company, claiming the advertisement was disrespectful. The backlash gained momentum as more people voiced their disapproval, urging OYO to reconsider its marketing strategies when addressing faith-based tourism.
In response to the growing criticism, OYO issued a statement clarifying its stance. The company emphasized that the advertisement was meant to encourage religious tourism across India and was not intended to offend anyone’s beliefs. OYO stated, “Our intent was solely to promote spiritual tourism and highlight how we facilitate seamless stays for pilgrims. We have immense respect for India’s diverse religious traditions.”
The company further reiterated its commitment to supporting faith-based travel, emphasizing its efforts in providing quality accommodations near major pilgrimage sites.
Despite the controversy, OYO remains focused on expanding its footprint in the religious tourism segment. As part of its growth strategy, the company has announced plans to add 500 new hotels across 12 prominent pilgrimage destinations by the end of the year. Locations such as Ayodhya, Varanasi, Prayagraj, Amritsar, Shirdi, Ujjain, Ajmer, and Mathura are part of this expansion, catering to the increasing demand for comfortable stays in spiritual hubs.
While the recent advertisement has put OYO under scrutiny, the company maintains that its core objective was to promote pilgrimage travel. The backlash highlights the sensitivity required when blending faith and commercial promotions. As OYO continues to expand in the spiritual tourism sector, it will need to strike a balance between marketing its services and respecting the deeply rooted religious sentiments of its audience
