HBI Staff | Hyderabad 
Global travel technology company OYO is expanding the number of hotels across key mountain getaways in India to capitalize on the summer vacation rush. The company is on course to open 300 new hotels by August 2023 across cities such as Manali, Mussoorie, Nainital, Srinagar, Shimla, Dalhousie, and Haridwar in the North; Ooty, Munnar, and Kodaikanal in the South; Gangtok, Darjeeling, and Shillong in the East; and Lonavala and Mahabaleshwar the West.
Observing high traveller interest, OYO has already opened more than 180 hotels in the said cities since March 2023. With an increasing number of travellers seeking domestic getaways, the company is witnessing a significant surge in demand across major hill stations this summer. According the OYO’s Summer Vacation Index 2023, 82% Indians have plans to travel this summer, with 92% travelling domestic. With 30% upvotes, mountains are the clear choice this summer, followed by beaches at 26%. OYO’s expansion in hill destinations comes at an opportune time, enabling travellers to make the most of their vacations while creating a positive impact on local economy and communities.
As per the company, Manali has emerged as the most booked hill destination, followed by Haridwar and Gangtok. The other top destinations in terms of bookings are Ooty, Nainital, Srinagar, Mussoorie, Munnar, and Darjeeling. In terms of growth, Munnar takes the lead with 95% year-on-year increase in bookings, followed by Srinagar and Nainital at 61% and 53% respectively.
Commenting on the expansion plan, an OYO spokesperson said, “Summer travel holds a special place in our hearts, evoking nostalgic memories of a carefree time from our childhood. Now, more than ever, people want to relive those cherished moments and reconnect with the nature. The surge in demand we are witnessing for hill stations is a testament to that. The trend will continue throughout the next 3 months, giving a major boost to the tourism and hospitality industry. With our expansion across key hill stations in India, we aim to provide a wide range of options for travellers, while also contributing to the growth of domestic tourism. As we move forward, OYO remains dedicated to delivering an exceptional hospitality experience and ensuring that our guests have a memorable stay.”
In addition to expansion across hill destinations, OYO is also aiming to add 1800 new hotels to its portfolio in 2023 as part of its ongoing bid for premiumisation. By offering high-quality accommodations in addition to the existing budget-friendly options, OYO intends to cater to the diverse needs and preferences of its customers.
