Ahmedabad: Hotels in Ahmedabad which have been struggling to take occupancies past 50% over the past one year, thanks to the pandemic, are finally getting a lifeline with a slew of cricket matches taking place in the city. The average hotel occupancy has gone up to an estimated 60% or even higher over the past four to six weeks, according to industry estimates, as people from different parts of Gujarat and even outside the state are coming to Ahmedabad to watch the cricket matches. In fact, over this weekend, the average hotel occupancy in Ahmedabad has touched 80% or even higher.
“Occupancy levels at our hotel has gone up by at least 25% since the past two days. Sports enthusiasts are flying in from cities such as Mumbai, Pune and Delhi, in addition to a few others in Gujarat too. People book a stay for two nights and three days and we’re offering various inclusions in the stay package to our guests,” said Vivek Sharma, general manager, Renaissance Ahmedabad Hotel.
Hotels have been doing brisk business ever since the test matches began with some of them hosting cricket team players, while the others are hosting patrons, spectators and even VVIPs who have come to witness the matches.
Puneet Baijal, general manager, Hyatt Regency Ahmedabad, said, “People are travelling from other cities and states. However, since both the test matches were over before three days, many left. The interest is there and some of the hotels have seen an upward trend in occupancy due to cricket matches. The T20 weekend is seeing some major traction in the city.”
Hoteliers have in fact begun offering discounts and adding features to package inclusions to ensure footfall. “We’ve offered flexible check-in and check-out over a 24-hour period to customers besides pick and drop service for patrons who have come to watch the match at the stadium,” said Sharma.
Estimates by Hotels and Restaurants’ Association (HRA) – Gujarat, suggest that occupancy level at hotels has improved significantly. However, the clause making RTPCR tests mandatory has deterred many from making bookings in big numbers.