Saudi Ministry partners with Indian hotel giant to boost pilgrim services

India-based OYO Hotels has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to deliver a new hospitality experience in the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah, the company said in a statement.

Under the MoU, OYO will work with the ministry in enhancing, implementing and auditing the aspirational standards for affordable and quality accommodations in existing buildings in Makkah, through the use of technology and proprietary applications.

OYO’s technology suite is expected to upgrade over 15,000 rooms in Makkah and create over 3,000 local employment opportunities, the statement said.

The technology partnership also includes access to OYO’s operating system and Krypton technologies, which will assist the ministry in managing inventory, procurement as well as provide for express check-ins and check-outs in the accommodations under its purview.

“We want to be a key partner to the ministry in helping welcome 30 million Umrah and Hajj pilgrims to the Kingdom and assuring a comfortable and peaceful stay as they journey to the holy cities,” Ritesh Agarwal, founder and group CEO, OYO Hotels and Homes, said.