Hoteliers angry over IPL's overseas move

Will write to BCCI, tourism ministry, saying they'll make huge losses

Will write to BCCI, tourism ministry, saying they'll make huge losses

Angry at the BCCI's decision to shift IPL matches out of India, the Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI) have decided to write to the cricket body and the tourism ministry appealing against the decision.

NO MATCHES HERE: Indian Premier League chief Lalit Modi (centre) announces the BCCI's decision to shift IPL matches out of India at the BCCI office yesterday. (From left) Kolkata Knight Riders' Shah Rukh Khan, BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla, Kings XI Punjab's Preity Zinta and Ness Wadia were present at the meeting. pic/nimesh dave

The latest IPL development, say hoteliers, will have a negative impact on the hospitality industry, which is already marred by last year's terrorist attacks and the economic slowdown.

"It is very unfortunate that the government cannot manage to give security cover to the IPL matches. Year 2009 was to be 'Visit India Year' (see box), but that's not how things are going to work out," said S P Jain, president of FHRAI (Western India), who added that IPL in India would've created a sense of security in the minds of future tourists.

Joseph Jacob, food and beverage manager of the Ramada Powai Hotel, added, "This is a huge loss." The hotel has been receiving several enquiries from various corporate houses to book their bars during IPL matches.

Earlier, due to various uncertainties regarding the tournament, several tour operators had already cancelled holiday packages designed exclusively for the IPL matches. "The latest announcement will definitely affect tourism," said Dharmendra Gurusahani, joint treasurer, Travel Agents Federation of India.

Rs 10,790 crore
That's the amount IPL was set to earn this year, up by u00a0Rs 1,725 crore

Visit India in 2009
The 'Visit India Year 2009' campaign was launched at the International Tourism Exchange in Berlin earlier this month to present the country as an attractive destination for holidaymakers. It was an effort to reverse the decline of international tourists in the country after the 26/11 terror attacks. The campaign is a joint initiative by the government and the tourism industry.