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

Travel & Tourism Deals Fall 8% Globally
iStock

Report: Travel and tourism deals down 8 percent

Summary:

  • Global travel and tourism deal activity fell 8 percent YoY in H1 2025.
  • Venture financing dropped 25 percent and private equity fell 20 percent.
  • North America recorded a 10 percent decline while Central America dropped 12 percent.

THE GLOBAL TRAVEL and tourism sector recorded an 8 percent year-on-year decline in total deal activity during the first half of 2025, according to market data firm GlobalData. Reduced investor appetite was seen across major deal types: mergers and acquisitions, private equity and venture financing.

Keep ReadingShow less
Vision Hospitality Hosts Red Sand Project in Chattanooga, Tennessee
Photo credit: Vision Hospitality Group

Vision hosts Red Sand Project against human trafficking

Summary:

  • Vision held its Red Sand Project to combat human trafficking in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
  • It fights trafficking through partnerships, staff training and philanthropic support.
  • Tennessee reported 213 human trafficking cases in 2024, involving 446 victims.

VISION HOSPITALITY GROUP held its fourth annual Red Sand Project with WillowBend Farms to combat human trafficking in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The event brought together organizations working to combat human trafficking, including the Family Justice Center for Hamilton County and the Hamilton County Health Department.

Keep ReadingShow less
Choice Hotels
Photo credit: Choice Hotels International

Choice posts $81.7M Q2 profit, 93K-room pipeline

Summary:

  • Choice Hotels International reported Q2 net income of $81.7 million.
  • Domestic RevPAR fell 2.9 percent due to macroeconomic conditions.
  • Extended-stay portfolio rose 10.5 percent YoY, with a domestic pipeline of 43,000 rooms.

CHOICE HOTELS INTERNATIONAL reported second-quarter net income of $81.7 million, down from $87.1 million a year earlier. Its forecast for the year remained positive, but was downgraded some to account for changes in macroeconomic conditions.

Keep ReadingShow less
Hotel exterior of Motel 6 Las Vegas under G6 Hospitality and Galaxy Hotels partnership
Photo credit: G6 Hospitality

G6, Galaxy aim to grow Motel 6, Studio 6

Summary:

  • G6 Hospitality and Galaxy Hotels Group are expanding Motel 6 and Studio 6 in the U.S.
  • Galaxy said G6 brands outperform others in guest satisfaction and value.
  • One Galaxy hotel generates $8–10M annually; the full G6 portfolio is expected to reach $50M.

G6 HOSPITALITY AND Galaxy Hotels Group are now working to expand the Motel 6 and Studio 6 footprint in the U.S. About 10 Galaxy-managed hotels, totaling more than 1,300 rooms, will operate under the G6 brands, with more to follow.

Keep ReadingShow less
Marriott International expands global hotel pipeline in Q2 2025

Marriott pipeline hits record 590,000 rooms

Summary:

  • Marriott International ended Q2 with a record pipeline of about 3,900 properties and more than 590,000 rooms.
  • Global RevPAR rose 1.5 percent, including a 5.3 percent gain in international markets.
  • Net income slipped 1 percent to $763 million; 17,300 net rooms were added.

MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL’S GROWTH continued in the second quarter, according to the company’s recent earnings report. Along with its active pipeline, the company saw rising revenue and launched a new brand.

Keep ReadingShow less