Oyo's Plans to Meet Rising Demand for Maha Kumbh Mela Tourism

During the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, Oyo founder and group CEO Ritesh Agarwal shared on social media on Monday that their hotel booking data indicates a growing trend in spiritual tourism in India. He also discussed the company’s plans to cater to this increasing demand.

Ritesh Agarwal wrote on social media, “Spiritual tourism in India is on the rise, and OYO is stepping in to make your journeys more comfortable. By the end of 2025, we’ll be adding 500 hotels across 12 major pilgrimage destinations—because traveling for faith shouldn’t mean compromising on a good place to stay [sic].”

What Are Oyo's Plans Amid Rising Spiritual Tourism in India?

Ritesh Agarwal has stated that Ayodhya is at the forefront of Oyo's expansion strategy, with over 150 new hotels planned. “After the Ram Temple opening, Ayodhya has become one of the most searched destinations for New Year holidays, with searches up by 39 percent year-on-year (YoY) on the OYO app,” he stated.

Further, Varanasi, Prayagraj, Haridwar, and Puri are “next in line, with a combined 250 new hotels planned”, according to Agarwal. He noted that amid the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, “Prayagraj, in particular, is already seeing booking demand that’s twice our current inventory”.

Furthermore, “The rest will be at destinations like Amritsar, Ujjain, Nasik, Vrindavan, and Tirupati, ensuring you’ll always find a welcoming stay close to where you need to be,” he added.

Spiritual tourism in India is growing, and OYO is here to make your journey more comfortable. By the end of 2025, we’ll be adding 500 hotels in 12 key pilgrimage destinations because your spiritual journey deserves a great place to stay.

‘Addressing Real Demand’ Says Oyo's Ritesh Agarwal

Agarwal emphasized, “This isn’t just about adding hotels—it’s about addressing real demand.” He also highlighted that religious tourism is projected to generate USD59 billion around Rs1,500 crore in revenue by 2028 and create 140 million around 14 crore jobs by 2030, adding,  “we’re excited to contribute to this growing movement”.

“From seniors seeking solace to a surge in interest from the youth, spiritual destinations are now attracting all age groups like never before. Whether it’s your first visit or an annual tradition, our goal is to make your pilgrimage as smooth as it is meaningful. Where are you heading next?” Agarwal asked.