The ICC Cricket World Cup is still over 3 months away but the hotels in Ahmedabad’s hotels are raking in the big bucks even before the first ball of the tournament is bowled, as per TNN.
Even if a booking is made three-and-a-half months in advance, a base category room at a five-star hotel is going for as much as Rs 50,000 per night, according to sources in the industry. These rooms usually under normal circumstances cost Rs 6500-10500.
The tournament starts on October 5 and will end on November 19. The 1st game, the final and the India vs Pakistan match will be played at Narendra Modi Stadium.
“There is also great traction for the match between India and Pakistan, likely on October 15. Bookings have already been made for the October 13-16 period and hotel rooms in the city are expected to be sold out on most match days,” said Keenan McKenzie, general manager, ITC Narmada.
Inquiries are coming from international cricket groups, fans along with sponsors, McKenzie was quick to add. VVIPs are also expected to join it for rooms.
Most five-star hotels have a booking of 60-90% of their rooms on days matches are being played.
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“About 80% of rooms for the match days are sold. For the opening ceremony, and the first match between England and New Zealand, bookings have already been made by travel agencies from England and major corporations,” said Punit Baijal, general manager, Hyatt Regency Ahmedabad.
Sources say that base category rooms are going for about £500 or around Rs 52,000, and premium category rooms are in demand for £1,000 or Rs 1 lakh and above.
“We are already sold out for two of our properties on October 14-16. At least 40-60% of our inventory is booked on most match dates and we’re anticipating a few more sold-out days” said Atul Buddhraja, vice president of operations of the Sankalp Group that runs Taj Group properties in Ahmedabad.
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This is the first time India is hosting the ODI World Cup on its own. In 1987, it jointly did so with Pakistan, in 1996 with Pakistan and Sri Lanka plus in 2011 with Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. The final in Ahmedabad will be the 3rd World Cup final to be played in India after 1987 in Kolkata and 2011 in Mumbai. The 1996 was played in Lahore, Pakistan. The only time India played a final on home soil, they went on to become World Champions in 2011, ending a 28-year drought. Our first title was in 1983. India did make it to the final in 2003, but lost to Australia. In 1987, 1996, 2015 and 2019, India made it to the semis but could not enter the title clash. In 1999 we were knocked out of the Super Six. In 1975, 1979, 1992 and 2007, India were knocked out in the 1st round itself. What will happen this time? Remains to be seen.