Cricket followers through the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup one-day worldwide (ODI) match between Australia and Pakistan, at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, in Bengaluru on October 20, 2023.
| Photo Credit: MURALI KUMAR Okay
After over a decade, the ICC Cricket World Cup match has come again to India and with a few matches scheduled in Bengaluru, the hospitality industry has acquired a much-needed boost to enterprise. With many travelling to the town, even from different international locations, to watch the matches on the stadium and numerous occasions being hosted, the occupancy at lodges and patronage at eating places have gone up by 5%-10% in comparison to the earlier month.
“On the days before and after the matches here in Bengaluru, the number of bookings at hotels are significantly more, especially for the match that India will play here. Along with cricket, since there were also long festival holidays, there has been an additional 10% business at hotels,” stated P. C. Rao, president, Bruhat Bengaluru Hoteliers Association (BBHA).
While there was a steep enhance in room costs in another cities the place cricket matches are being performed, Bengaluru has not seen a vital enhance primarily due to the presence of upper variety of lodges throughout numerous worth ranges, hoteliers famous.
“Those who come to watch cricket matches, especially international guests, book only 3-star or 5-star hotels. Apart from that, the business potential at hotels has increased as players, umpires and other cricket board officials are also staying there. Some prestigious clubs are also hosting dinners for international teams,” Mr Rao defined.
International cricket followers, through the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup one-day worldwide (ODI) match between Australia and Pakistan, at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, in Bengaluru on October 20, 2023.
| Photo Credit:
MURALI KUMAR Okay
Cricket-themed curated menus
Apart from that, many star and deluxe lodges, resorts and golf equipment have additionally put-up massive screens from afternoon to evening (match hours) to appeal to extra prospects together with specialty meals.
Many common restobars have additionally seen an elevated influx of individuals because the World Cup took off. Themed meals and drinks have additionally been curated at these locations. For occasion, at SOCIAL, which has branches throughout Bengaluru, dishes like ‘Middle Over Grazing’, ‘The Doosra Shawarma’ and ‘The 1983 Samosa Sampler’ have been put up.
“Even though there were festivals during which people do not usually venture out, we still had slightly more business this month when compared to last month as people came out to watch these World Cup matches, especially when India is playing. The crowd is mostly comprising youngsters and corporate workers,” stated Alister Braganza, Senior Regional Business Manager- South at SOCIAL.
Dwindling curiosity in ODI
At another locations, whereas the numbers are not so good as anticipated but, they’re anticipated to decide up because the match will get extra fascinating, across the qualifier matches.
“Navaratri is usually a low business time for us as people do not consume non-vegetarian food or alcohol during those days. There was also the long weekend due to which many people went out. However, we are hoping for things to improve by the time of qualifier matches. We have screenings and a special menu, while we also play live commentary during India matches to provide a stadium like atmosphere,” stated Mukesh Tolani, Head of Bengaluru Chapter, National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) and the co-founder of Toit Brewpub.
However, some throughout the hospitality industry stated that the craze round lengthy format cricket matches has lowered in the period of 20 over matches. “Usually during Indian Premier League, we see people coming out to restaurants and pubs to watch cricket. It now seems like the craze for 50 over cricket has reduced,” stated Nakul Rajaram of The 13th Floor Bar.
