OYO Rooms, a major player in India’s hospitality sector, is currently in the eye of a storm after a recent advertisement triggered outrage among several religious groups. The ad, which appeared in a prominent Hindi newspaper, has sparked widespread criticism for allegedly offending religious sentiments. This controversy highlights how brands must tread carefully in India, where religious and cultural sensitivities can easily become a hot topic. The outcome of this situation will likely set a precedent for how businesses in the country approach advertising and branding in the future. OYO has yet to make an official statement addressing the backlash. While the company has kept quiet so far, its next move will likely play a pivotal role in how the brand is perceived going forward. The hospitality company has recently introduced policies allowing certain partner hotels to refuse bookings from unmarried guests under regional customs. However, the backlash surrounding this move threatens to derail its efforts, complicating its attempt to attract a more conservative customer base. The hashtag #BoycottOYO quickly gained traction.
