Mon Jan 06 10:54:37 UTC 2025: ## OYO Rebrands, Addresses “Couple-Friendly” Image: Founder Says Perception Mismatched with Reality

**Meerut, India** – OYO, the hospitality giant, is actively rebranding itself to counter its widely held perception as primarily a platform for unmarried couples, a narrative its founder Ritesh Agarwal attributes largely to social media. While acknowledging a past association with couples’ stays, Agarwal clarified that OYO’s user base is predominantly comprised of families and business travelers (70-80% according to company data).

The company’s recent policy change in Meerut, granting partner hotels the discretion to accept or reject bookings from unmarried couples based on local customs, reflects this shift. This decision, announced amidst the launch of *Shark Tank India 4*, where Agarwal is a returning investor, follows a broader company strategy to emphasize its family-friendly offerings.

Agarwal highlighted a recent digital advertising campaign aimed at correcting the “social media-created perspective.” He emphasized the company’s growth in religious tourism, with 80 hotels launched in Ayodhya and numerous others across significant pilgrimage sites. This expansion further underscores OYO’s commitment to broadening its appeal beyond the image propagated online.

The rebranding strategy appears to be successful, with Agarwal reporting record app downloads, repeat bookings, and hotel openings over the past three years. He dismissed any negative impact of the social media narrative on the company’s overall reputation, stressing OYO’s strong corporate standing and widespread acceptance amongst families in various regions.

The social media perception, Agarwal clarified, is largely confined to urban centers, and the company is actively working to address this through increased visibility and direct engagement. He concluded by stating that brands should proactively address misconceptions, fostering transparency and open communication with consumers.

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