OYO, the global travel-tech firm, secured a legal victory as the Delhi High Court ruled in its favour by setting aside the arbitral award related to its long-standing dispute with Zostel Hospitality, the parent company of ZO Rooms. The court also dismissed Zostel’s execution petition, bringing closure to the years-long legal tussle.

The court upheld OYO’s stance that it did not breach any agreement arising from the acquisition discussions held with Zostel in 2015. The judgment emphasised that no part of Zostel’s business was ever transferred to OYO and reinforced the legal principle that a determinable contract cannot be specifically enforced, aligning with precedents from the Supreme Court of India.

The dispute dates back to November 2015, when OYO and Zostel signed a non-binding term sheet to explore a possible acquisition. However, the transaction fell through due to failed due diligence and lack of mutual agreement on key commercial terms.

Zostel had initiated arbitration in September 2018, which resulted in a March 2021 arbitral award, a decision OYO promptly challenged. The legal battle continued with OYO securing an earlier win when the court dismissed Zostel’s injunction application in February 2022.

The Delhi HC's latest ruling affirms that no definitive agreement was ever finalised and that essential terms remained unsettled.

OYO, responding to the outcome, reiterated its commitment to technological innovation and operational excellence, continuing its mission to deliver quality accommodation experiences for customers worldwide.

Ayushakti, a global leader in Ayurvedic healthcare, has launched its latest franchise outlet in Punawale, a growing suburb of Pimpri-Chinchwad. This marks Ayushakti’s 7th franchise in Maharashtra and the 29th outlet overall, reinforcing its mission to make ancient healing accessible across the region.

The new centre, located at Longitude Building, Gaikwad Nagar, Koyate Vasti Road, is equipped with two therapy rooms, two consultation areas, and a trained team of Ayurvedic experts. All practitioners have been trained under the guidance of Co-founder Dr. Smita Pankaj Naram and CEO Dr. Krushna Pankaj Naram, ensuring consistency in the quality and authenticity of treatments.

Patients visiting the Punawale franchise will benefit from a variety of Ayurvedic services, including deep pulse reading (Nadi Pariksha), Panchkarma detox therapies, massages, steam treatments, herbal remedies, marma techniques, and customised diet plans.

Dr. Smita Naram, Co-Founder of Ayushakti, shared her enthusiasm during the launch event, saying, “I am very glad to launch yet another outlet in a short span, in Maharashtra. We wholeheartedly look forward to serve our customers here and help them heal. Our expansion comes with the thought of touching as many individuals on planet Earth and helping them live a healthy life.”

She further added, “The response we have received over the past year has been phenomenal, which makes us excited about adding new outlets across India.”

Founded in 1987 by Master healer Late Dr. Pankaj Naram and Dr. Smita Naram, Ayushakti has been on a mission to transform community health through the power of ancient Ayurvedic practices. The company currently operates in nine countries and has helped over a million people worldwide.

In a landmark move aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts has partnered with Le Park Concord Company to roll out 100 Super 8® by Wyndham hotels across the Kingdom over the next decade. This exclusive development agreement marks a significant milestone for both brands and aims to make quality and affordable lodging more accessible in the rapidly growing tourism market.

Supported by the Ministry of Tourism of Saudi Arabia, the deal underscores the country’s commitment to welcoming a broader range of travelers—from business guests to religious and leisure visitors. The first property under this agreement is slated to open in 2026, with future Super 8 locations planned across key cities such as Riyadh, Jeddah, Makkah, Madinah, Al Khobar/Dammam, and major transit corridors.

Dimitris Manikis, President EMEA, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, shared,
"Bringing Super 8 to Saudi Arabia is a strategic move to make quality, affordable travel more accessible. We're excited to introduce a brand that blends stylish comfort with sustainability to one of the region's most dynamic markets."

Le Park Concord, a leading local operator currently managing 13 hotels with over 900 rooms and 13 more in the pipeline, will play a key role in developing these properties. The collaboration focuses on leveraging modular construction and eco-conscious designs to ensure guest comfort while supporting sustainable growth.

Mr. Fiaz Talal Alenezi, CEO of Le Park Concord, emphasized,
"Our partnership with Wyndham helps bridge the gap in branded economy accommodations, bringing international standards and trusted loyalty benefits to Saudi Arabia’s expanding visitor base."

Tourism in the Kingdom is booming, with 30 million international arrivals in 2024 alone—a 9.5% increase from the previous year. The country aims to attract 150 million visitors annually by 2030. Despite the growth, branded budget hotels remain scarce, comprising just 6% of the national hotel pipeline, as per Knight Frank.

Super 8, a globally recognized economy hotel brand, is already on a global expansion spree, with 40 hotels planned across Spain and Portugal. With this Saudi partnership, Wyndham solidifies its presence in the Middle East while continuing to offer dependable, affordable, and design-forward lodging experiences for modern travelers.

For more on Wyndham’s development plans and opportunities, visit whrdevelopmentemea.com.