The eagerly anticipated 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup is set to commence on October 5th in India, marking the return of the cricketing extravaganza after a four-year hiatus. The tournament opener will feature defending champions England facing off against 2019’s runner-up New Zealand at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Among the marquee matches is the India vs Pakistan showdown scheduled for October 14, followed by the grand finale on November 19. Additionally, the two semi-finals will take place at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium on November 15 and Kolkata’s Eden Gardens on November 16.
Cricket enthusiasts from around the world, especially those eager to witness India’s matches, are enthusiastically planning their travel itineraries. Unsurprisingly, this surge in demand has led to increased ticket prices and accommodation rates in and around the host cities.
Cricket World Cup 2023: Hotel Booking Frenzy
Hotels in the host cities are experiencing a significant surge in booking demand, primarily due to cricket fans traveling to watch India’s matches. Santosh Kumar, Country Manager for India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Indonesia at Booking.com, explained, “We have seen a surge in demand for accommodations across cities where key matches are being held, including the highly anticipated India vs Pakistan match scheduled for October 14. The thrill and excitement of watching India play first-hand is a compelling reason for cricket enthusiasts around the world to travel, creating a significant impact on the host city’s occupancy in terms of demand and room rates.”
Airfares Soar for India vs Pakistan Clash in Ahmedabad
While players often downplay it as just another match, an India vs Pakistan cricket game holds a special place in the hearts of fans. The excitement and anticipation surrounding the match have led to a surge in airfares, with fans from across the country flocking to Ahmedabad for the game.
Mohit Joshi, Skyscanner Travel Expert, noted, “As the World Cup fever slowly sweeps across India, we’re witnessing a remarkable surge in travel demand, especially for the highly anticipated India-Pakistan match in Ahmedabad on October 14. This surge in demand has also led to a rise in airfares.” He provided key insights into the surge in flight prices:
- Mumbai to Ahmedabad: Flight prices have surged by 125% during the week of October 12-15 compared to the same period in 2022 and by 111% compared to the same week in August 2023.
- Delhi to Ahmedabad: Flight prices have witnessed a substantial 74% increase during the week of October 12-15 compared to the corresponding period in 2022. It has surged by 123% when compared to the previous month.
- Bangalore to Ahmedabad: Flight prices have increased by 54% during the same week compared to 2022, with a 77% surge when compared to the previous month.
Cricket fans are eagerly booking travel into Ahmedabad for the October 12-15 period, with top cities including New Delhi, Bangalore, Mumbai, Pune, Chandigarh, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Raipur, and Jodhpur witnessing significant travel interest. The clash between India and Pakistan is turning Ahmedabad into a cricketing Mecca, with fans going the extra mile to be part of the spectacle.
