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With The World Cup Shaking Up The Indian Tourism Industry, Here’s How To Plan Stay & Travel Smartly

by Tejashee Kashyap
With The World Cup Shaking Up The Indian Tourism Industry, Here’s How To Plan Stay & Travel Smartly

The world of sports is a powerful catalyst for tourism, drawing fans from across the globe. And when it comes to cricket in India, it is more than just a sport. It’s a passion that unites a nation of over a billion people.  As the various Indian cities gear to host the ICC World Cup 2023, the tourism industry is poised for a major surge in bookings, transforming the country into a cricketing paradise. “This has generated significant excitement among cricket enthusiasts, leading to a substantial increase in bookings across various sectors,” affirms Saurabh Gahoi VP of Ramee Group of Hotels, India.

Hospitality & Accommodation: A Warm Welcome

Whether it’s a luxurious stay in a heritage hotel or a cosy guesthouse, India offers a range of options to suit every traveller’s preference and budget. “One notable aspect of this surge is the unprecedented demand for accommodations,” highlights Gahoi.

Travellers to India are treated to a rich tapestry of experiences. There will be exploration of ancient temples and palaces to savouring diverse culinary delights. Tourists can immerse themselves in India’s vibrant culture while enjoying their favourite sport.

“News reports have highlighted that even hospitals in the vicinity of the match venues are experiencing high occupancy rates. This further underscores the immense popularity of the event. This surge in bookings encompasses not only hotels and healthcare facilities. This involves transportation, restaurants, and various ancillary services. All of which are gearing up to meet the enthusiastic demand from cricket fans and visitors,” he adds.

One phenomenon is becoming increasingly evident: hotels across the host cities are being booked out at an unprecedented pace. “This mega sporting event will lead to a substantial increase in blackout dates for hotels throughout the city. Consequently, hotels will have the opportunity to optimise pricing strategies and achieve higher returns.”

Also Read: ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup: From Anthem To Merch To Hotel Bookings; Its Impact

So, How To Plan Travel For The World Cup?

The host cities, including Mumbai, Kolkata, Delhi, Chennai, and Bangalore, are known for their rich history and legendary cricket stadiums. “We are already at close to 100% occupancy for the days when the World Cup matches will be taking place in Mumbai. We are expecting many Indian as well as international travellers during this time,” notifies Shreya Shanbhag
Director of Marketing & Communications, Intercontinental Marine Drive. The hotel is located in close proximity to the Wankhede Cricket Stadium.

Cricket enthusiasts and tourists alike are vying for accommodations in the host cities, resulting in a race to secure rooms. “We recommend planning ahead and booking well in advance in order to secure a booking,” she advises.”Staying at a hotel close to the stadium will help you save time and cut down on a lot of travel to and fro, as traffic can be an issue on match days.”

Gahoi also advises, “To travel smartly and secure your bookings effectively, meticulous planning is key. Start by planning your trip well in advance to take advantage of the best deals. Harness the power of technology to compare prices and avail of discounts. Consider exploring packages with opaque pricing, which often provide a competitive edge. For added peace of mind, opt for pre-purchase options to ensure a secure booking and value for your money,”

While the matches themselves are a major draw, the Cricket World Cup also provides opportunities for touring the city. You take in the local dishes and explore the tourist attractions while also enjoying the match. “Experience-based travel is gaining popularity giving the tourism industry a big boost. It is now also actively promoted by travel agencies with customised packages on offer. Travellers coming to attend the matches also visit popular restaurants and bars in the city,” Shanbhag suggests.

Looks like India’s tourism industry is all set to score a century, making it a truly unforgettable event for all. So, when are you booking your tickets?

Cover image credits: Website/ICC