OYO ventures into sports hospitality, to provide end-to-end event solutions, ET TravelWorld

<p>Representative image.</p> — Representative image.

OYO, the global hospitality technology company, has embarked on a new journey by launching its dedicated sports hospitality business aimed at revolutionising the management of large-scale sports events. With a focus on providing end-to-end solutions, OYO’s sports hospitality venture aims to seamlessly integrate accommodation, catering, and transportation services, redefining the way sports events are organized.

In a strategic move, OYO has identified 100 hotels across 12 key cities, including Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore, Pune, Lucknow, Jaipur, and Chandigarh, among others, to cater to the unique needs of athletes and sports officials participating in various sports events. These cities, equipped with the necessary infrastructure, are poised to host large sports tournaments effectively.

With an emphasis on offering a comprehensive hospitality experience, OYO will provide a diverse range of accommodation options, catering to various budget preferences, and ensuring the comfort and convenience of participants and attendees. Specialised packages and group booking options will be available to accommodate the specific requirements of sports teams and large groups.

Furthermore, OYO will collaborate with third-party agencies for catering and transportation services, offering a wide array of food options and efficient travel solutions tailored to the preferences and dietary requirements of athletes and attendees. From nutritious pre-event meals to catering packages for VIP lounges, OYO aims to elevate the overall dining experience during sports events.

To streamline the movement of participants and spectators, OYO’s transportation solutions will include shuttle services, private transfers, and meticulous coordination of transportation schedules, ensuring smooth logistics between venues, hotels, and other event locations.

OYO’s venture into sports hospitality comes on the heels of its successful management of more than ten large-scale sports tournaments in 2023, including prestigious events such as Khelo India Youth Games, National Games, and ESIC Sports Meet. With a track record of catering to over 40,000 athletes and sports officials, OYO’s expertise in event management positions it as a trusted partner for sports associations nationwide.

Commenting on the development, Pankaj Kumar, Head of Government and Sports Hospitality Business, OYO, talked about company’s commitment to innovation and customer-centric solutions. He stated, “The launch of our sports event management unit aligns with OYO’s commitment to continuous innovation and customer-centric solutions. With a focus on delivering quality hospitality, OYO plans to offer athletes a conducive and comfortable environment, ensuring they can fully concentrate on their training and competitions.”

In addition to catering to mainstream sports events, OYO’s inclusive approach extends to differently-abled sportspersons, with partnerships established for events such as Khelo India Para Games and Sardar Patel National Divyang Cricket Tournament, offering round-the-clock assistance to all participants.

The introduction of the Sydney Meetings Fund by Business Events Sydney underscores BESydney’s commitment to supporting event planners and promoting Sydney as a premier destination for corporate and incentive events. With funding opportunities now available, event planners in India have access to financial support to enhance their event experiences in Sydney.

In a separate development, OYO has announced its partnership with the International Theatre Festival of India (Bharat Rang Mahotsav) as its accommodation partner. As part of the partnership, OYO has engaged over 40 hotels in various categories to cater to their requirements.

OYO will provide accommodation to more than 2000 participants, artists, and attendees with seamless
and comfortable lodging options across various cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Vijaywada, Jodhpur,
Bhuj, Jammu and Bhuvneshwar hosting the festival.

The International Theatre Festival of India organised by National School of Drama is renowned for its
celebration of creativity, diversity, and innovation in the performing arts. Drawing renowned actors,
directors, playwrights, and theater enthusiasts from around the globe.