PGO

The phrase "Atithi Devo Bhava," translating to "The Guest is God," encapsulates the essence of the host-guest relationship, highlighting the esteemed role of the host within this sacred interaction. This principle reflects the deep-rooted values of Indian culture and tradition. Recently, it has been adopted as a tagline for India's tourism campaign aimed at enhancing the treatment of tourists within the country.

Historically, travelers were warmly welcomed by villagers who provided food and shelter free of charge. A similar tradition persists today, where students seeking higher education in unfamiliar towns receive support from local families offering lodging and meals at no cost. Over time, these acts of hospitality have evolved into commercial practices, leading to guests being categorized as "paying guests."

Globally, numerous establishments have emerged to offer accommodation and dining services, each varying in quality and amenities. In this evolving landscape, hospitality has transformed into a pivotal sector within the service industry, stimulating widespread participation from various organizations. Given the high level of competition, hospitality providers have established industry standards that classify different types of accommodations. Upscale full-service facilities typically boast luxury amenities, comprehensive accommodations, on-site dining options, and personalized services like concierge assistance and laundry service. Conversely, budget-oriented accommodations often provide shared spaces such as dormitories with communal bathrooms and kitchens.

The variance in services and amenities has given rise to a diverse array of lodging options, including hostels, paying guest accommodations, lodges, resorts, serviced apartments, guest houses, cottages, and hotels classified by star ratings.

In 2015, Thinkwide was established with the purpose of assisting visionary individuals and organizations in transforming their ideas into viable business models. The team at Thinkwide examined the trajectory of the hospitality sector alongside the digital platforms facilitating accommodation services. Their research involved a survey in India focusing on contemporary digital platforms that cater to accommodation seekers through websites and applications. During their discussions, the team identified key challenges faced by guests: primarily rising costs and insufficient knowledge regarding the variety of accommodation options available at various destinations. Despite the proliferation of websites and apps, many are limited in their coverage of lodging types, particularly for budget-oriented and sociable accommodations across both urban and rural areas of India.

Consequently, Thinkwide recognized an opportunity to enter the hospitality sector with a platform designed to encompass all accommodation types—from budget to upscale—throughout India. The initiative was conceptualized as an online platform addressing “paying guests,” ultimately branded as "PGO."

PGO aims to assist all travelers—whether students on extended stays, business professionals, or casual visitors—providing a range of options tailored to various needs: long-term or short-term stays, vegetarian or non-vegetarian diets, budget-friendly or luxurious experiences in both urban and rural settings. Additionally, PGO supports hosts by allowing them to showcase their properties on its platform, thereby enhancing their business reach and quality.

Ultimately, PGO facilitates meaningful connections between guests and hosts, fostering a continuation of the revered principle “Atithi Devo Bhava.”