Maharashtra Records 75% Jump In Bookings During Cricket Matches, Music Festivals & Concerts

India is a country known for its diverse cultures, histories, and culinary hubs. From beaches to mountains, the country offers various tourist destinations. Recently, Airbnb shared a report on how people are choosing their travel destinations within India, and Maharashtra tourism tops the list. Read on to find out about the development.

Maharashtra Emerges As Top Tourism Spot

According to the Story Board, Airbnb just released its report on how large-scale events are increasingly shaping how people travel within India. As per the report, Maharashtra Tourism emerged as a key beneficiary of this shift. The report highlighted how concerts, cultural festivals and sporting venues are not just attracting visitors but also promoting longer stays and higher spending, positioning the state as a growing hub for event-led tourism.

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As per the Airbnb report, matches during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 led to a 50% increase in stays across Maharashtra. Such events showcased a sharp rise in travel activity around major events, with a roughly 75% jump in guest check-ins during match periods. Additionally, international music concerts in Mumbai in 2025 increased bookings, with nights booked doubling and arrivals rising sharply around the event dates.

Growing Hub For Event-Led Tourism In India

Music festivals like Lollapalooza also played a major role in demand, with bookings in Mumbai surging multiple times compared to the previous year. The festival weekend events accounted for a significant portion of January’s bookings in the city. The hike reflects a larger behavioural shift among travellers, especially younger audiences that are increasingly planning trips around experiences rather than destinations alone. Airbnb reports suggest that spending tied to events extends way beyond just ticket purchases but has a significant spillover into transportation, accommodation and local businesses.

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As per the news portal, platforms like Airbnb are benefiting from such trends by allowing short-term stays closer to the event venues and expanding accommodation supply through local homes. The company informed the portal that guest spending through its platform is contributing to India’s economy by supporting jobs across hospitality and other related sectors.

The report concludes that event-driven travel is emerging as one of the most powerful drivers of Maharashtra tourism growth. As Maharashtra continues to host large-scale events, the demand for affordable accommodation is expected to rise, further strengthening its position in the travel landscape.

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