IPL is creating a buzz not just on the cricket pitch this year, but also in the travel space. Be it discounts on hotels or flight bookings or travel apps specially designed for IPL fans – companies are going all out to cash in on the thrill of the annual cricket extravaganza and earn that extra revenue.
EspnCricinfo, with its 20 million online users, has extended IPL excitement with a special travel section. This acts as a guide for cricket fans travelling to each of the IPL cities, where they can also explore the city’s palaces, forts, street food, beaches and neighbouring hill-stations. Fans can also learn about the best places to eat, stay and party at each venue. Online travel portals too have got IPL special schemes and discounts. MakeMyTrip, the principal sponsor for the Sunrises Hyderabad team, has launched a special offer called ‘Toss Ka Raja’. Get live on TV with Sunrisers Hyderabad as they toss, says the Web site homepage. Winners will get an all-expense paid trip to Hyderabad, a VIP pass for the match, return air tickets and other goodies.
Goibibo.com has launched an IPL special Travel Premier League that gives discounts on domestic air tickets on all IPL match days. For instance, on a day when the Delhi Daredevils play against Mumbai Indians, the site offers discounts on Delhi-Mumbai and return flights. “Initial discounts on match days will be Rs 200. With every win, discount on flights from winning city will increase in multiples of 10,” said Sanjay Bhasin, Managing Director, Goibibo. The online travel portal plans to extend the offer to hotels too.
Currently, the booking ratio of flight tickets and hotels is 70:30 for most travel portals. Through these offers, they hope to improve hotel bookings and change the ratio to 50:50.
Yatra.com has seen a surge of 15-20 per cent in hotel bookings on weekends during the IPL season. “This trend is seen in cities such as Pune, Jaipur and Chandigarh, where average room rates go up by 25 per cent on the weekends,” said Sharat Dhall, Chief Operating Officer, Yatra.com.