February 21st 2025.
The recent advertisement released by travel tech giant OYO has stirred up a storm of criticism from netizens. Many people have taken to the social media platform X to express their outrage over the phrase "God is Everywhere. And so is OYO" used in the ad, which promotes the company's serviced stays in various spiritual destinations in India such as Ajmer, Ayodhya, Varanasi, Prayagraj, Mathura, Amritsar, Shirdi, and Ujjain.
In response to the backlash, OYO issued a statement clarifying that their intention behind the advertisement was to promote religious tourism in India, and not to offend any religious sentiments. The company emphasized its respect for the diverse faiths and beliefs of the country and its celebration of India's rich spiritual traditions.
OYO further explained that with the increasing popularity of spiritual tourism among Indians, they are dedicated to enhancing this sacred experience. This was the main message they wanted to convey through the advertisement. The company also announced its plans to expand its presence by adding 500 hotels in 12 major pilgrimage destinations by the end of this year.
Despite the clarification, the advertisement has sparked a heated debate among netizens about the use of religious references in advertising. While some believe it is a clever marketing strategy, others argue that it is insensitive and disrespectful. Nonetheless, OYO stands by its intention to promote religious tourism and hopes to continue to provide a memorable and spiritual experience for its customers.
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