Restaurants, hotels dole out deals for IPL long weekend, expect a big spurt in business

livemint.com:

NEW DELHI : The Indian Premier League (IPL) is revving up for the opening weekend of its latest edition, with the hospitality sector raring to capitalize on surging demand on the back of a likely heady mix of Twenty20 cricket and festivities. Hotels and restaurants are rolling out targeted deals, anticipating a significant uptick in bookings. The industry expects the opening weekend will hold a distinct value because of the long weekend, with Holi falling on Monday.

Many establishments, like the popular Cafe Delhi Heights chain run by Batra Bros Food and Beverages, are crafting special packages. Vikrant Batra, co-founder of the company, said, "We're offering a variety of IPL-themed packages for the opening weekend, some even incorporating prizes based on guesses." Hotels are also preparing for a significant boost in occupancy. By offering attractive packages, they hope to stand out in a competitive market and maximize revenue.

This strategy caters to fans seeking an IPL experience, with luxury stays and celebratory meals. The InterContinental in Mumbai, for instance, is offering a ‘complete experience’ with stay and special menus tailored specifically for IPL fans. Cricket fever is running high, with India having just drubbed England in a five-match Test series, powered by young cricketers who are also IPL stars.

Impresario Entertainment & Hospitality Pvt. Ltd that operates Social restaurants pan-India has teamed up with several cricketers as part of its marketing efforts to drive sale at its outlets. “We saw a 20-30% surge in order volumes during the ICC Men’s World Cup last year and we anticipate similar growth this year.