A success formula for hotels
With sports becoming one of the major drivers of tourism in India, the hospitality sector also stands to gain. This was also reflected in the performance of the hotels during the recently concluded second F1 in India…
The industry in Delhi has changed a lot and has changed for the good Formule1 was sold out for the week leading up to the big day as well Thanks to F1, the property witnessed a spurt in bookings
The World Travel Market plays an important role in bringing key players and influencers from sports and tourism together under one roof for the exchange of ideas and practices, as well as offering excellent networking opportunities. There is a strong focus on the sector at the ongoing WTM, following on from London hosting the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Just as the leading global event for the travel industry is championing the cause of sports tourism, India is also realising the jackpot it can hit through the segment.
With sports becoming one of the major drivers of tourism in India, the hospitality sector also stands to gain. This was also reflected in the performance of the hotels during the recently concluded second F1 in India. Most hotels in the Noida and Greater Noida region witnessed sold-out days during the F1 week and room rates shot up as the F1 teams, sup- port staff and spectators started trickling into the city.
According to Manju Sharma, Director, Jaypee Hotels, the hospitality landscape in Delhi is changing due to emergence of these sports events. “The industry in Delhi has changed a lot and has changed for the good. The hospitality infrastructure, standard and the demand in the industry has skyrocketed with gradual spurt in growth and opportunities. Delhi has been seeing a lot of infrastructure developments,” she points out. There is a lot of positive sentiment in the market with global sporting events in India thronging the scenario. In this year, the awareness is much more than expected. The number of interested guests coming in has also pegged up two-fold. The entire inventory was sold out, Sharma adds. Jaypee Green Golf and Spa Resorts was the official hotel that hosted the F1 teams and staff.
Hotels are also betting big on their F&B segment and have thus, beefed up F&B operations. Philip Logan, VicePresident, Formule1 Hotels says, “Formule1 hotel in Greater Noida launched Swagath Restaurant just prior
to the race to cash in on the increased demand. As the race officials, marshals and enthusiasts arrived a weekend before the race, Formule1 was sold out for the week leading up to the big day as well.” The hotel has increased inventory by opening its last floor for the event.
During a traditionally lean period, when there are few business travellers due to Diwali, most hotels in the luxury category in the city far away from the F1 circuit also enjoyed an extremely busy weekend. “Business travel is less during this period. However, thanks to F1, the property witnessed a spurt in bookings during the weekend,” Taljinder Singh, General Manager, Taj Palace Hotel, New Delhi claims. To ease the long commute on one of the heaviest traffic routes in the NCR, the hotel offered daily transfers to the venue and packed meals for the trip as part of its F1 package.