Tour operators hope to do brisk business with exclusive family packages, combining IPL and summer holidays
Tour operators hope to do brisk business with exclusive family packages, combining IPL and summer holidays
The consensus over the Indian Premier League (IPL) matches has given a fresh lease of life to tour operators.
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Initially in despair because of the uncertainty over the tournament, and the fact that it was being shifted to South Africa, tour operators are now designing exclusive family packages for the IPL and are also trying to cash in on the summer vacations.
Iqbal Mulla, chairperson, Treasure Tours & Travels Pvt Ltd, said, "Since the summer vacations fall during the IPL season, we will create an exciting package so that the whole family can visit South Africa." He added, "Why not take your mummy to South Africa for the IPL?" Mulla promises a package between Rs 60,000 and Rs 1 lakh per head for the tournament.
Dharmendra Gurusahani, joint treasurer of Travel Agents Federation Of India, and owner of Travelmartindia.com Pvt Ltd, Mahim, said, "We have decided on a sports and leisure tour package for the first time. The IPL and summer vacations is a great business opportunity for travel agents. Our target will be corporates between 25 and 35 years of age."
Best deals
Cutting Edge Travels that specialises in sports tours is also planning to design special economic packages for the IPL. "We are in talks with hotels and airlines to get the best deals for people. Our target are youngsters and their families," said Anjana Desai, director, Cutting Edge Travels.
Tour operators were expecting a 15 to 20 per cent surge in business had the IPL taken place in India.
Package per head
7 night-8 days: Rs 65,000 per head. Tickets for three matches, airfare, accommodation in a four-star hotel, pick up drop from stadium to hotel room
14 night-15 days: Rs 89,000 to Rs 1,10,000 per head. Tickets for 7 games, airfare, accommodation in a 4-star hotel, pick up drop from stadium to hotel room, sight seeing
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