OYO, A HOSPITALITY technology company, is providing accommodation for approximately 150 differently-abled artisans and entrepreneurs participating in the ongoing Divya Kala Mela across India. The company identified more than 200 hotels in different cities, including Varanasi, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Patna, Surat, Nagpur, Ahmedabad, and Shimla. The selection of hotels is based on specific parameters, such as ramp and lift facilities mandated by the authorities, Oyo said in a statement.
OYO recently collaborated with Khelo India Para Games 2023 in Delhi, offering accommodation to over 1500 participants in 45 hotels across the city, the statement added. Additionally, as part of its broader role as an event management agency, OYO handled catering and coordination for the games. Dedicated teams were deployed in various shifts to provide round-the-clock assistance to all participants.
"At OYO, our commitment lies in fostering a world where everyone experiences a sense of belonging," said Varun Jain, chief operating officer at OYO. "Utilizing our vast hotel network, OYO strives to establish a more inclusive environment for all guests, guaranteeing individuals with disabilities access to comfortable and convenient accommodations throughout India."
OYO highlighted its focus on promoting inclusivity in 2024 by ensuring equitable access to quality accommodation for differently-abled individuals. The company is collaborating with organizations like the Wheeling Happiness Foundation to extend support to a broader audience of differently-abled athletes. Most recently, it provided accommodation to participants of the national-level tournament Para Kabaddi Impact 2023 in Gurgaon.
"As a proponent of inclusivity in sports, I strongly endorse the vital requirement for accessible accommodations for athletes with disabilities," said Deepa Malik, co-founder of the Wheeling Happiness Foundation. "Our collaboration with OYO contributes to a more inclusive and empowering sporting environment, allowing every athlete to flourish based on their distinct skills."
In 2019, OYO entered the U.S. market. In 2022, it partnered with Wyndham Hotels and Resorts, offering free accommodation to refugees from war-torn Ukraine. OYO also launched a fundraiser to aid homeowners hosting refugees and non-profit organizations involved in refugee housing. The IPO-bound company recently appointed Rakesh Kumar as its chief financial officer.
