With the ongoing Asia Cup 2023, all eyes are on Sri Lanka. After all, the country is hoping to revive its tourism by hosting 9 matches in two of its major cities, Kandy and Colombo. Interestingly, the IND-PAK Asia Cup match on September 2 could pave the way for Sri Lanka’s tourism industry as hotels in Kandy are already fully booked by fans.
Sri Lanka Hopes To Revive Tourism With India-Pakistan Asia Cup Match
According to an article by Business Today, hotel bookings in Kandy, Sri Lanka have surged due to the much-anticipated India vs. Pakistan match on September 2, Saturday. Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic, Sri Lanka’s economy and tourism industry haven’t been doing well. So, the island nation hopes the Asia Cup 2023, going on till September 17 can revive its tourism industry.
Virat Kohli 🐐 is ready for Asia Cup and World Cup.#AsiaCup2023 #ViratKohli #CWC23 #WorldCuppic.twitter.com/BTaeVe3298
— ICC Asia Cricket (@ICCAsiaCricket) August 31, 2023
The 16th edition of Asia’s biggest cricket tournament will be played in the 50-over format. India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan will compete in this cricket extravaganza. On Saturday, September 2, cricket lovers in India and Pakistan will watch the much-awaited India vs Pakistan match, with bated breath.
This match will take place at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy. Ahead of this match, resorts and hotels in Sri Lanka’s Kandy are already fully booked. Lanka Abhayvardhana, Lanka Vilas Holiday Resort MD stated to PTI that they’ve been receiving enquiries for hotel booking for a month. But they are fully booked.
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Hotels In Kandy Fully Booked; Fans Say Everything Is Expensive
He goes on to add that it’s amazing to see hotels getting booked as Sri Lanka is reeling under an economic crisis. Another person told Business Line that they travelled all the way from Canada to Sri Lanka to watch this match but couldn’t find tickets. They stated that from tickets to accommodation, everything is expensive. Moreover, all hotels are fully booked so they couldn’t find a place to stay.
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As fans can’t wait to watch this match, there are fears that rains may play spoilsport on Saturday. Showers and heavy showers above 100mm are expected in certain provinces in Sri Lanka. Now one’s got to wait and see what this could mean for cricket lovers.
Cover Image Courtesy: @BCCI/ X (formerly Twitter)