World Cup Cricket Fever: Hotel room costs surge 500 times owing to India-England match in Lucknow

Lucknow:  If you fancy a visit to Lucknow on October 29, get prepared for a nasty awakening, since hotel room costs have soared 500 times owing to the India-England ICC World Cup match. Normally, a premium hotel room costs between Rs. 5000 and Rs. 12000, but on October 29, it will cost about Rs 80000.

The situation has deteriorated to the point where a standard hotel room, which used to cost Rs 1800, now costs Rs 13000 during World Cup matches. The major reason for this increase is because cricket fans from all over the world are attempting to book hotel rooms and obtain World Cup tickets.

“As a result, the city is already experiencing a significant increase in hotel demand,” one Five star hotel manager  stated. A major business tycoon stated on the condition of anonymity, “Our data reflects high demand across domestic segments of multi generational families, couples, and corporates.

It is worth noting that this is despite a fourfold increase in hotel charges when compared to current rates. And appointments are becoming increasingly expensive. The India-England match is boosting demand in Lucknow, which has boosted the overall hospitality and travel sector. Occupancy in Lucknow’s hotels across categories, particularly premium hotels, is increasing.

“Hotel tariffs are already witnessing a surge of approximately 500 per cent   as compared to last year’s figures,” said Vivek, a hotel owner in Lucknow.

The typical accommodation charge for a 5-star hotel in Lucknow is presently Rs 6,000-7,000 per night, but during match season, rooms cost Rs 20,000-25,000 per night,” he added. According to reports, tariffs would rise to Rs 80,000-90,000 in the last week of October. Despite the fact that many are willing to pay exorbitant amounts, their chances of securing a room are dwindling by the day.

According to industry executives, this is a “happy problem” for the hospitality industry, which had been looking for such events to make up for losses experienced during the coronavirus pandemic era.

“This is unquestionably a good time for the hospitality industry and the overall economy of all cities hosting World Cup matches. Footfall at malls, metros, restaurants, and public venues will grow. This is an excellent time for hotels in particular because these matches coincide with the wedding season,” said Harzinder Singh Jolly , who owns chain of hotels in Prayagraj.

Nevertheless, some industry insiders believe that a few of hotels are intentionally producing supply in order to push up rates. Many hoteliers have hoarded a few rooms that they plan to market at higher rates on the day of big matches as demand spikes, according to sources.