Global hospitality technology unicorn Oyo has launched an accelerator programme for small first-generation hoteliers in its community.
According to a press release, hotel owners with more than five running hotels are eligible for the accelerator programme.
OYO stated that it would initially aim to add 30 hoteliers to the accelerator programme; the company claims that this will help first-generation hoteliers innovate and enter new markets, increasing their customer base.
The programme will provide hoteliers with mentorship, access to technology, dedicated relationship managers, financial support, and OYO‘s network of more than 15,000 corporate accounts and more than 10,000 travel agents across India.
According to the press release, the initiative aligns with OYO’s goal of expanding the number of its premium hotels in India by 2023. With its names including Townhouse Oak, OYO Townhouse, Collection O, and Capital O, the company aims to increase the number of premium hotels.
OYO plans to add more than 200 properties under the accelerator programme in key business hubs like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Delhi, Noida, Kolkata, Siliguri, and Mumbai.
“We come across many hoteliers whose aspiration for growth and their business acumen far exceeds the capital and resources available to them,” said Anuj Tejpal, chief merchant officer of OYO. “OYO had tried to support their growth in the past in whatever manner we could. However, we realized that we will be able to encourage many more such hoteliers if we provide special focus to this initiative and move in a planned and targeted manner to help many more such small entrepreneurs.”
OYO hired two hoteliers in Hyderabad, one in Kolkata, and one in each of Delhi and Kolkata during the accelerator program’s pilot phase. These hoteliers, who manage over 50 properties in the three cities, joined the programme.
“OYO’s technology driven approach helps us in customer acquisition. Its hotel brands, such as OYO Townhouse, have consistency in quaconsistentess and service standards across all locations that ensure custo, ensuring We are confident of scaling up rapidly with OYO,” said Amruth Bhamidipati, managing partner, De Alphabets Group of Hotels, Hyderabad.
Aman Deep Kamboj, Founder of Qotel Hospitality, New Delhi, added, “We have been associated with OYO for the past three years. The brand ensures customer loyalty, which is vital for the growth of our business.”