A recent incident in Noida has raised serious questions about inclusivity and non-discrimination in the Indian hospitality sector. According to reports, an IT professional from Kolkata and his 14-year-old son, visiting the city for a skating championship, were denied accommodation by a Sector 44 hotel despite having a confirmed booking through OYO.
The guest alleged that the hotel receptionist claimed to be following a “local police directive” not to accommodate guests from Bangladesh, Punjab, or Jammu & Kashmir until 15 August for security reasons. Despite clarifying they were from West Bengal, the booking was cancelled, forcing the family to find alternative lodging farther from the event venue.
OYO swiftly apologised, removed the property from its platform, and launched an internal inquiry, reaffirming its zero-tolerance policy towards discrimination. “We have neither received nor issued any directive to impose such restrictions,” the company stated.
Local police also confirmed that no such order existed, stressing that guests with valid identification should not be refused.
Industry experts note that such incidents not only undermine guest trust but also risk damaging India’s image as a hospitable and welcoming destination, especially during a period of growing domestic tourism.
