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Gujarat’s tourism landscape is set for massive gains this World Cup season. While hotels are nearly fully booked up and airfares are skyrocketing, travel companies have been flooded with inquiries for tourism packages for October-November.
Visitors are keen on exploring popular local destinations for a few days before or after matches and overall inbound tourism in Gujarat is set for a boost. Estimates from travel companies show that inbound bookings in October-November have increased by at least 40% compared to last year.
Manish Sharma, chairman of the Travel Agents’ Federation of India (TAFI), Gujarat, said, “Five key matches including the first fixture with the opening ceremony and the final of the World Cup are being held in Ahmedabad. This will be a major crowd puller for cricket enthusiasts from across the country and the world. We have been flooded with inquiries from NRGs, NRIs and foreign travellers who are keen on exploring Gujarat before or after the matches. Apart from popular destinations like Gir and the Statue of Unity, pilgrimage destinations such as Ambaji, Somnath, Dwarka, Palitana, Girnar and Dakor are also seeing traction.”
October and November are typically lean months for tourism in Gujarat. This year the scenario is different. Rajeev Kale, president and country head, Holidays, MICE, Visa-Thomas Cook India, said, “We have witnessed a 40% surge in demand for Ahmedabad and Gujarat for October-November, compared to last year.
Our customers from across metros and Tier 1&2 cities are travelling to Gujarat during the festive season, especially for the cricket bonanza. Travellers are keen on exploring popular locales in Gujarat such as the Statue of Unity, the tallest statue in the world; the 10th-century Rani ki Vav stepwell at Patan; the majestic Somnath Temple; Gandhi Ashram; the 4,000-year-old Harappan city of Dholavira; the Rann of Kutch; the White Desert and Gir National Park.”
According to travel industry experts, less-known destinations of Gujarat such as Narara Island, where one can see unique marine life and experience coral treks; Patan, which has a rich history; and the Ninai waterfalls are also much sought after.
India’s love for cricket is unbeatable and the matches are proving major crowd pullers. Daniel D’Souza, president and country head, Holidays, SOTC Travel, said, “India has always been a cricket loving nation and the coming fixtures are driving high travel demand to Gujarat.
In addition to receiving inquiries for the sporting highlight of the season, we are witnessing strong interest for offbeat destinations such as Gopnath Beach, which is rich in biodiversity and has the famous Gopinath Temple and limestone cliffs; Saputara, a scenic hill station close to the incredible Gira Falls; Champaner, a Unesco world heritage site; Navlakha Temple, built in the 11th century and one of the oldest Sun temples in the country; Thol Lake Bird Sanctuary, which is home to over a hundred species of migratory birds, among others.”
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