Categories: Travel

OYO to launch a separate app for premium hotels, ET TravelWorld News, ET TravelWorld

Global travel-tech company OYO is actively exploring launching a separate app for its premium hotels and mid-market to premium company-serviced hotels, according to documents accessed by ET Travelworld.

The move comes as a direct response to the company’s premium property inventory, which has seen exponential growth across India as well as its global markets. The app will initially feature OYO’s India-based premium hotel and vacation homes inventory but will eventually also include its global portfolio of premium hotels and homes. There are several potential brand names under consideration for the new app.

The platform – with the app and website expected to go live in the next 2-3 months – will comprehensively integrate OYO’s premium properties, with a particular focus on its premium SUNDAY Hotels brand, Palette Hotels & Resorts, and company-serviced hotel portfolio.

This launch of the new app represents OYO’s evolution from mostly a budget-offering player to a multi-segment hospitality technology platform committed to delivering curated experiences in touch with preferences of the modern traveller.

As part of the expansion, sources added that OYO is developing a distinct physical identity for its new premium platform. This includes creating unique visual elements that will be applied across the platform’s touchpoints – from new staff uniforms to signages on property facades.

While Southeast Asia remains a key growth market for NCL, the cruise line is particularly focused on tapping into India’s fly-cruise segment. “Our focus out of here is fly-cruise. We’re looking to serve the Indian customer who’s ready to vacation in Europe, America, Canada, Hawaii or Australia,” Borg said. He added that the upcoming launches of Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna would open up more itinerary choices for Indian travellers.

The technology backbone of the new platform will leverage OYO’s significant investments in artificial intelligence and machine learning, with seamless property selection, personalized guest recommendations and dynamic pricing strategies.SUNDAY, a four- and five-star brand, was originally launched in May 2023 through a joint venture between SoftBank Group and OYO’s parent company Oravel Stays. Currently present in 10 countries, including India, UK, UAE and Saudi Arabia, the brand has ambitious expansion plans, aiming to operate 100 properties globally by the end of the next financial year.

Similarly, the company has substantially grown its company-serviced hotel portfolio to over 1,100 properties. The expansion underscores the company’s increasing focus on operational excellence and greater customer satisfaction. OYO also manages over 75,000 vacation homes around the world, mostly in Europe.