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Cricket Craze for ICC World Cup 2023 – Hoteliers sharing insights on India Vs Pakistan match in Ahmedabad
Mehul Sharma Founder & CEO, Signum Hotels & Resorts The ICC World Cup is one of the most significant and eagerly anticipated events in the global cricket calendar. With the 2023 edition set to take place
Mehul Sharma
Founder & CEO, Signum Hotels & Resorts
The ICC World Cup is one of the most significant and eagerly anticipated events in the global cricket calendar. With the 2023 edition set to take place in India, the country’s hospitality industry is poised to benefit from the influx of international visitors. It has been 12 years since India last hosted the World Cup.
Firstly, the number of tourists visiting the country is expected to skyrocket during the event, especially from cricket-loving nations such as Australia, England, South Africa, and New Zealand. This will have a direct impact on the hospitality industry with an increased demand for accommodation, transportation, and dining options. Hotels, restaurants, and transportation services will have the opportunity to cater to a larger clientele, ultimately boosting their revenues.
The surge in demand for travel and tickets due to the India-Pakistan World Cup match in Ahmedabad has caused cities hosting key matches to be fully booked. Online travel agencies are experiencing an 80-100% increase in demand for October-November compared to last year. Airfare prices have significantly risen, particularly for popular sports event locations. Ahmedabad witnessed the largest hike of 50-60%, while Mumbai and Kolkata increased by 40-50% and 30-40% respectively. Additionally, other cities such as Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Dharamsala, Hyderabad, Lucknow, and Pune have seen a rise in fares ranging from 20-40%.
Another factor that will contribute to the growth of the hospitality sector is the massive investment by the Indian government in improving infrastructure. With the Indian government investing heavily in the construction of new airports, roads, and highways, the travel and tourism sector in the country is expected to see a boost. These infrastructure improvements will also aid in national travel, with more people expected to travel within the country, further benefiting the hospitality industry.
The ICC World Cup 2023 is a huge chance for small and medium-sized enterprises to boost their revenue and provide employment opportunities by offering catering, transportation, and lodging services. This event is expected to have a positive impact on India’s hospitality industry, with increased demand for accommodation, transportation, and dining options, and a boost in tourism. It’s also an opportunity to showcase India’s cultural heritage and promote economic growth.
Swajib Swapan Chatterjee
COO, Sinclairs Hotels and Resorts
Cricket runs through the veins of Indians, and the ICC Cricket World Cup will take this patriotism to unparalleled levels. India is set to host the Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 after 12 years, from October 5 to November 19, 2023. The World Cup will be hosted in 10 cities and showcase the best of cricket with 48 one-day matches between the competing nations: Australia, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and the Netherlands. This unparalleled enthusiasm will attract both local and international tourists who want to be the witness of this grand experience.
Sports tourism is a rapidly growing sector in India with a substantial impact on domestic and international travel. The exposure that this grand event brings to host cities holds immense potential for boosting tourism. Beyond the event itself, visitors can explore what the city has to offer, possibly leading to extended stays and repeat visits. A recent survey shows that sports enthusiasts are willing to travel cross country or abroad to attend sporting events. India’s position as a significant source market for sports travel is poised to strengthen further.
Since India is the host nation for the World Cup this year, it is a great opportunity for India to showcase its hospitality, culture, and ability to successfully host global events. International tourists will visit these venues not only to enjoy the sport but also to soak in the rich history and culture of these cities.
The occupancy of the hotels of the hosting cities and nearby tourist venues will rise sharply. This will give hidden gems like picturesque hill stations, serene beaches, and historical sites a chance to shine on the global stage. Hotels, resorts, and homestays will witness a spike in bookings, contributing to the local economy. Additionally, restaurants, bars, pubs, street vendors, and various small businesses thrive during this time, thanks to the increased footfall of cricket enthusiasts. Research shows that travellers from UK, U.S., Singapore, Australia, and Malaysia are enquiring and booking flights and hotels in the host cities. Airfares for top venues like Ahmedabad, Mumbai, and Kolkata have grown 40%-60% over the past year. Other host cities are also seeing 20%-30% increases in flight prices. This pricing surge emphasizes the tremendous growth in travel demand.
The arrival of visitors raises economic growth and cultural exchange, making it a win-win situation for India and its tourism industry.
Subhabrata Roy
General Manager, Courtyard By Marriott Navi Mumbai
India is hosting the World Cup after more than a decade, since 2011. The Cricket frenzy will bring back the festive fervor to the hospitality industry. India is one of the favourite contenders to lift the cup this year, we will get to witness the pace as the tournament progresses. We are a cricket loving nation and this ICC World Cup 2023 will bring a major boom. Hotels, restaurants and bars will get to leverage on it and it will be a great opportunity to bring in additional revenue. The host cities of the key matches have already seen a major surge in the hotel room demand like never before. The inbound travel increases considerably giving us the additional scope of business.
Courtyard By Marriott Navi Mumbai’s location next to the D.Y. Patil stadium is a bonus. The close proximity to the stadium has already given us the advantage. The hotel has managed to gain popularity as a sports friendly hotel with the movement from the boards, officials and players. There are only a limited number of stadium hotels in the world and we are one of them. The stadium view rooms and The Box Lounge, by the poolside located on the 8th floor, has a bird’s eye view of the stadium. To bask in the fervor, the lounge has life size led screens to and view of the stadium will give you a feel of virtually watching the match in the stadium.
We have special screenings combined with irresistible food and beverage offers for you to enjoy the games with your friends and family and create memories.
Bapu Sirsat
Front Office Manager, Eastin Easy Vita
SOLD OUT TO CRICKET MANIA!
The hotel industry has hit a sixer with the upcoming series of the ICC World Cup 2023 in the city of Ahmedabad and the rest of India.
The festival of Diwali has arrived early in Ahmedabad and its neighbouring cities. Cricket frenzy fans have left no stone unturned on spending and watching their favourite team or idol in real time. The room inventories have skyrocketed to approximately Rs 80,000 per room per night in the wake of high demand in the city of Ahmedabad.
Excited by the prospective turn of events with the upcoming series of the ICC Cricket World Cup in Ahmedabad with the India Vs Pakistan match Zulfikar Sandhi, Sales Manager, Eastin Residences Vadodara enthusiastically stated that “Vadodara is just 1 ½ hours’ drive from Ahmedabad, where the match is being played and, already most of the hotels out here have sold out rooms. In fact, when we at Eastin Residences Vadodara got the news of the series, we already kept aside 22 rooms that is a total of 50% room occupancy to cater to this special crowd and it has been sold out at high rates. Along with an increase in the room revenue for the days – 13-15th October 2023, our room dining service has been spruced up to serve the guests, who will turn in late after the match. There will be a special late dining combo menu to satiate the hunger pangs and that includes enticing Veg Biryani to Chicken Biryani and Chinese Veg & Non-Veg Combos; to Veg & Chicken Cheese Grill Sandwich Combos…which is surely going to increase the F&B revenue. Also, guests can enjoy our minibar, which will be well-stocked with non-alcoholic drinks, chocolates, and wafers, which will be another reason to see an increase in our revenue. So, you see, we are in a win-win situation”.
“we are expecting good demand for F&B Business during match days, because we are welcoming guests to catch the live action on the giant screen in the cool ambiance of Madira and Moksha, our bar. It will have exciting liquor offers that will include beer bucket and veg & non-veg starters to get the good times rolling for all.”
Bapu Sirsat, Front Office Manager, Eastin Easy Vita
Nitin Kohli
Founder and Creative Soul of Cafe MAKA Courtyard in Delhi
The ICC World Cup 2023 is gearing up to be a game-changer for the hospitality scene, especially hotels and restaurants. This cricket extravaganza, which graces us every four years, promises to be a carnival for cricket aficionados from across the globe. Let’s delve into why it’s poised to be a bonanza for the hospitality industry.
Imagine a colossal event like the World Cup unfolding in your city. It’s like a magnetic pull for tourists worldwide. These globetrotters need a comfy place to rest their heads and some delicious bites to Savor. That’s where hotels and restaurants come into play, with bookings soaring and eateries bustling.
Cricket tournaments aren’t swift affairs; they stretch over weeks. Visitors flocking for the World Cup tend to make it a lengthy vacation. This extended stay spells pure gold for hotels, allowing them to roll out enticing World Cup packages and deals to entice guests.
With stadiums bursting at the seams with fervent fans, it sets off a ripple effect nearby. Hotels and eateries in the vicinity witness a windfall as fans seek convenient lodgings and dining before and after the matches.
Cricket buffs are renowned for their fervour and celebrations. They often congregate in restaurants and pubs to catch the games together. Restaurants can amp up the atmosphere with special World Cup-themed menus and promotions, drawing both locals and tourists into the festive spirit.
The World Cup doesn’t just dish out benefits to hotels and restaurants; it elevates the entire local economy. Shops, transportation services, and entertainment venues all experience a surge in business during the tournament, indirectly bolstering the hospitality sector.
Being the host city or country for a World Cup thrusts you onto the global stage. This exposure can yield a lasting dividend in the form of increased tourism even after the tournament’s final whistle. Visitors who relish their stay are more inclined to return for future escapades.
In a nutshell, the ICC World Cup 2023 is a golden ticket for the hospitality industry. Hotels and restaurants are in for a windfall thanks to the influx of tourists, prolonged stays, and the vibrant ambiance fueled by cricket zealots. This event doesn’t just offer immediate financial gains but also etches a lasting imprint on the local economy and tourism sector.
