The popularity of cricket is driving a surge in cricket tourism, and travel bookings, even as hotel rates and airfares rise. Tour operators are reporting a significant increase in demand for travel to matches during the Indian Premier League (IPL) and other cricketing events.
The IPL is a professional T20 cricket league that is the most-watched cricket league in the world, with estimated global viewers of over 600 million people. The 2023 season of the IPL is currently underway and is already generating significant travel interest.
One of India’s biggest travel agencies, Thomas Cook India Ltd., has seen a demand surge of over 60-70% for travel to match venues for both April and May (till data) from last year. SOTC Travel, another major travel agency, has also seen a similar increase in demand.
In addition to the IPL, there are a number of other cricketing events that are driving travel demand. These include the upcoming Cricket World Cup, which will be held in India in October 2023. The World Cup is the most prestigious cricketing event in the world, and it is anticipated to generate significant travel interest.
The rising demand for cricket tourism is a positive sign for the travel industry. People are still willing to travel, even when costs are rising. Cricket tourism is also an excellent way to promote India as a tourist destination aside from its rich history, culture and being home to some of the most beautiful cricket stadiums in the world.
Here are some additional details about the rising demand for cricket tourism:
- The IPL is the most-watched cricket league in the world, with estimated global viewers of over 600 million people.
- The 2023 season of the IPL is currently underway, and it is already generating significant travel interest.
- Thomas Cook India Ltd., India’s largest travel agency, has seen a demand surge of over 60-70% for travel to match venues for both April and May (till data) from last year.
- SOTC Travel, another major travel agency, has also seen a similar increase in demand.
- The upcoming Cricket World Cup, which will be held in India in October 2023, is expected to generate significant travel interest.
- Cricket tourism is an excellent way to promote India as a tourist destination due to the country’s rich history and culture. Another reason is that it is home to some of the most beautiful cricket stadiums in the world.
