In addition to being exciting on the field, the India-Pakistan cricket match is also having a direct effect on airfares.
The high-stakes T20 World Cup match on Sunday has cricket fans in a frenzy. Bookings for flights to Colombo have exploded since the uncertainty around Pakistan’s involvement in the match evaporated and they canceled their boycott. At any cost, fans are eager to see this momentous occasion, which causes the travel industry to suddenly boom.
Budgeting may be necessary if you are organizing a last-minute travel from Delhi to Colombo. The cost of a round-trip ticket from Delhi to Colombo can range from ₹90,000 to ₹1 lakh. Fans who are coming from Chennai or Kochi pay about ₹50,000, while those who are coming from Mumbai spend about ₹70,000.
According to experts, there were 22% more travelers between February 12 and February 16 than on other days. Because of how popular the match is, Colombo’s bookings have skyrocketed by almost 65%.
The match has caused Colombo to soar. The city’s major and upscale hotels now have more than 35% higher tariffs. Sri Lanka’s visa-free entry is turning out to be a big draw for Indian travelers, encouraging them to book their vacations without having to deal with a lot of paperwork.
Major cities like Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Delhi, and Mumbai are the ones with the biggest demand, according to travel agents. Fans are also searching for lodging choices in neighboring cities like Galle and Kandy as a result of Colombo becoming overcrowded.
Not only the game, but getting ready for a little getaway
It is interesting to note that supporters are not planning to attend just one game. Data from travel agencies indicates that roughly 20% of visitors are extending their stay.
People want to take advantage of Sri Lanka’s stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and distinctive experiences in addition to watching the game. Many are prolonging their holiday after the match, while 12% are taking short getaways of two to three days. The tourism industry in Sri Lanka has benefited greatly from this, and travel agents now have excellent revenue opportunities.
During the T20 World Cup, Flipkart was the main attraction! Even though it only cost one crore and received 250 million views, the game is still in play.
According to specialists in the travel business, the India-Pakistan match has the potential to drastically alter the tourism industry’s economy. Airlines and hotels have pricing power because of the huge demand for tickets and the restricted number of flights available in a short amount of time. This means they may charge whatever they want.
Since the feelings and fervor of the fans are closely linked to this sport, this is viewed as a high-margin potential. The colors of cricket are currently enveloping Colombo, and everyone is eagerly awaiting Sunday’s first ball.
