Skip to content

Search

Latest Stories

OYO Hotels forms COVID-19 fund, founder waives his salary

Previously the company offered free rooms to medical personnel in the U.S.

OYO HOTEL OWNERS have created the OYO Welfare Fund to help employees at OYO properties and partner companies affected by the COVID-19 pandemic or the consequent social restrictions worldwide. Also, Ritesh Agarwal, OYO Hotels and Homes founder and group CEO, is foregoing his entire salary for the rest of 2020.

Money from the India-based company’s Welfare Fund, to which OYO owners and employees donate, also will go to help communities surrounding OYO hotels. The company will donate $3.5 million to the fight against the coronavirus that causes COVID-19.


“The current situation world over is deeply concerning to each and every one of us,” Agarwal said in a statement. “I honestly believe that it is our responsibility to come together and give back the love and support we have always received from everyone.”

The company announced on March 24 that all of its hotels will offer free stays to medical workers who are traveling to fight the virus.

“All of us at OYO are grateful for the bravery and sacrifices all the medical personnel are making to save lives and stop the spread of Covid-19,” Agarwal said.  “Our hearts go out to all those impacted by this terrible illness.”

Reservations can be made at 628-213-7020 with the code OYO4FIRSTRESPONDERS.

“Since the disease started, OYO has been distributing masks, sanitizers and other personal protective gear across markets to ensure the safety of its colleagues who were on the frontline before country-specific lockdowns,” the company said in a statement. “OYO is encouraging the highest levels of hygiene across our buildings and extended all possible support to our asset partners as they navigate through these tough times.”

The company also features regular information updates on the COVID-19 pandemic on its blog.

More for you

American Franchise Act announced in U.S. Congress to protect hotel franchising and jobs

House unveils act to boost franchise business

Summary:

  • House introduces AFA to boost franchise model and hotel operations.
  • The act establishes a joint employer standard.
  • AHLA backs the bill, urging swift adoption.

THE HOUSE Of Representatives introduced the American Franchise Act, aimed at supporting the U.S. franchising sector, including 36,000 franchised hotels and 3 million workers nationwide. The American Hotel & Lodging Association, backed the bill, urging swift adoption to boost the franchise model and clarify joint employer standards.

Keep ReadingShow less
AHLA Foundation expands hospitality education

AHLA Foundation expands hospitality education

Summary:

  • AHLA Foundation is partnering with ICHRIE and ACPHA to support hospitality education.
  • The collaborations align academic programs with industry workforce needs.
  • It will provide data, faculty development, and student engagement opportunities.

THE AHLA FOUNDATION, International Council on Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Education and the Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration work to expand education opportunities for students pursuing hospitality careers. The alliances aim to provide data, faculty development and student engagement opportunities.

Keep ReadingShow less
U.S. holiday travel 2025 trends

Report: U.S. consumers’ holiday travel intent dips

Summary:

  • U.S. holiday travel is down to 44 percent, led by Millennials and Gen Z.
  • Younger consumers are cost-conscious while older generations show steadier travel intent.
  • 76 percent of Millennials are likely to use AI for travel recommendations.

NEARLY 44 PERCENT of U.S. consumers plan to travel during the 2025 holiday season, down from 46 percent last year, according to PwC. Millennials and Gen Z lead travel intent at 55 percent each, while Gen X sits at 39 percent and Baby Boomers at 26 percent.

Keep ReadingShow less
Report: Global RevPAR to rise 3–5 percent in 2025

Report: Global RevPAR to rise 3–5 percent in 2025

Summary:

  • Global hotel RevPAR is projected to grow 3 to 5 percent in 2025, JLL reports.
  • Hotel RevPAR rose 4 percent in 2024, with demand at 4.8 billion room nights.
  • London, New York and Tokyo are expected to lead investor interest in 2025.

GLOBAL HOTEL REVPAR is projected to grow 3 to 5 percent in 2025, with investment volume up 15 to 25 percent, driven by loan maturities, deferred capital spending and private equity fund expirations, according to JLL. Leisure travel is expected to decline as consumer savings tighten, while group, corporate and international travel increase, supporting RevPAR growth.

Keep ReadingShow less
Hotel data challenges report highlighting AI and automation opportunities in hospitality

Survey: Data gaps hinder hotel growth

Summary:

  • Fragmented systems, poor integration limit hotels’ data access, according to a survey.
  • Most hotel professionals use data daily but struggle to access it for revenue and operations.
  • AI and automation could provide dynamic pricing, personalization and efficiency.

FRAGMENTED SYSTEMS, INACCURATE information and limited integration remain barriers to hotels seeking better data access to improve guest experiences and revenue, according to a newly released survey. Although most hotel professionals use data daily, the survey found 49 percent struggle to access what they need for revenue and operational decisions.

Keep ReadingShow less