Mastercard Report: Cricket World Cup's Boost to Indian Tourism and Hospitality

Mastercard Report: Cricket World Cup's Boost to Indian Tourism and Hospitality

By Author

Published on December 24, 2023

The ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023, despite not clinching a victory for Team India, emerged as a significant catalyst for the Indian economy. Mastercard, a key sponsor of the event, conducted a study revealing the tournament's extensive multiplier effect, particularly on the tourism and hospitality industries. This effect underlines the broader impact of major sporting events on both national and local economies.

According to Mastercard's aggregated and anonymised data, the accommodation and food industries experienced a substantial boost due to the influx of cricket enthusiasts from all over the world. These fans, converging in India to support their teams, contributed significantly to the increased spending in these sectors. The data showed that small businesses, often considered the backbone of the economy, enjoyed a significant upsurge in revenue, especially in cities hosting the matches.

The boost for small businesses was particularly noticeable in quick-service restaurants in the host cities, where there was an average increase of over 300% in cross-border spending by tourists on match days compared to a regular week. This trend was not limited to foreign tourists, as domestic spending on online food delivery also recorded a sharp increase of over 100% on average during the matches held in Ahmedabad, Delhi, and Mumbai.

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Hotels and the broader food industry also reaped the benefits of the cricket tournament. Host cities saw an average growth of approximately 40% in domestic spending on hotels on match days compared to regular weeks. Moreover, there was an incremental spend of around INR ~23 million observed in hotels and restaurants in host cities and metro cities around match days, reflecting a 36% increase compared to non-game days.

The economic impact was particularly pronounced during crucial matches. For instance, during the India vs. Pakistan match, cross-border in-person restaurant spends soared by approximately 400%. The India vs. England witnessed an even more astonishing increase of over 600% in cross-border spends across hotels and dining establishments.

Gautam Aggarwal, Division President, South Asia at Mastercard, emphasized the profound impact of the ICC World Cup on India's economy. He stated that such tournaments can act as a booster shot for robust economies, energizing small businesses that power the local economy. Aggarwal highlighted the remarkable surge of 400% in in-person restaurant spends during key matches featuring Team India, showcasing the tournament's positive influence on the economy.

In conclusion, the ICC Cricket World Cup not only provided thrilling cricket action but also proved to be a significant economic stimulus for small businesses and the hospitality sector across India. This event showcased the potential of sporting and cultural events to drive economic growth and support various industries, contributing to the overall economic health of the country.


Hilton Debuts Tapestry Collection in Northern Ireland with The Marcus Portrush

Hilton Debuts Tapestry Collection in Northern Ireland with The Marcus Portrush

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 7, 2025

Hilton has unveiled The Marcus Portrush, a Tapestry Collection hotel, marking the debut of this upscale brand in Northern Ireland. The property features 80 elegantly designed rooms and is located along the stunning North Atlantic coastline in Portrush.

Housed in a beautifully restored Victorian building that dates back to 1895—once a hotel and artisan bakery—the £11 million ($15 million) renovation has carefully preserved historical elements such as original mosaic signage and floor mosaics.

The hotel’s opening is strategically aligned with the 153rd Open Championship, scheduled to be held at the nearby Royal Portrush Golf Club from 13–20 July 2025. This prestigious golf event returns to Northern Ireland for the first time since 2019, expected to draw a significant influx of international visitors.

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Stephen Cassidy, Senior Vice President for Hilton UK & Ireland, said, “Northern Ireland has seen a strong rise in tourism in recent years, drawing travellers from around the world to experience its unique charm. As the only internationally branded hotel in Portrush, The Marcus Portrush offers high-quality accommodation with an authentic local touch, making it the perfect base for visitors eager to explore all that Northern Ireland has to offer.”

The development stems from a franchise agreement with Andras House, Northern Ireland’s largest hotel group. The new hotel is projected to contribute around £1.1 million annually through visitor spending and create more than 40 permanent local jobs, reinforcing Portrush’s position as a key tourism hub.

Earlier this year, Hilton also announced a partnership with Loughview Leisure Group to bring a DoubleTree by Hilton to Belfast City Centre, further strengthening its footprint in Northern Ireland’s hospitality market.


Top 4 Private Luxury Charter Companies in India to Elevate Your Dream Destination Wedding

Top 4 Private Luxury Charter Companies in India to Elevate Your Dream Destination Wedding

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 3, 2025

Weddings in India have always been grand, but now, they’re literally taking off. For couples dreaming of a sky-high celebration or a dramatic bridal entry that sets Instagram ablaze, private jet charters have become the newest way to elevate wedding festivities.

From flying your family in sheer luxury to transforming an aircraft into a mid-air mehendi venue, these private charter companies are helping couples create unforgettable, cloud-kissed memories. Here are four luxury private jet companies in India making destination weddings more opulent—and airborne—than ever before.

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KlasJet: European Elegance Meets Indian Wedding Flair

If you want to blend European sophistication with big-fat-Indian-wedding spirit, KlasJet is a name to remember. Led by CEO Justinas Bulka, KlasJet has already made its mark across Europe, the Middle East, and the U.S., and is now quickly soaring into Asia. Backed by the global aviation powerhouse Avia Solutions Group, this boutique private charter airline is renowned for its ultra-luxe interiors, bespoke services, and exclusive in-flight experiences.

For KlasJet, it’s not just about getting from point A to B—it’s about turning the journey itself into part of your celebration. Picture a bridal party enjoying cocktails mid-air or a romantic post-wedding getaway complete with champagne at 30,000 feet. With experience serving royalty, celebrities, and business elites, KlasJet is now perfectly positioned to tap into India’s booming destination wedding market.

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Taj Air: Heritage Hospitality, Now Above the Clouds

For over two decades, Taj Air has brought the elegance and meticulous detail the Taj brand is known for—this time, at 40,000 feet. Taj Air delivers seamless, stylish travel for wedding couples, families, and VIP guests, flying them privately between top Indian destinations. From gourmet Taj-catered meals served on board to discreet check-ins and luxurious ground transfers, every touchpoint reflects India’s finest hospitality traditions.

It’s the ideal choice for couples seeking trusted luxury, flawless logistics, and the comfort of a brand with deep Indian roots that understands how to make weddings truly memorable.

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JetSetGo: The ‘Uber of the Skies’ for India’s Elite

JetSetGo, founded by Kanika Tekriwal, has transformed the concept of luxury air travel in India. Dubbed the ‘Uber of the skies,’ it’s become synonymous with flying high-net-worth individuals, from Bollywood stars and business tycoons to international wedding parties. Its expansive fleet includes private jets, helicopters, and even air ambulances, with everything tailored—from in-flight gourmet experiences to interiors styled to match your wedding theme.

Whether it’s ferrying your entire bridal squad from Delhi to Udaipur or orchestrating a surprise sky-high proposal en route to the Maldives, JetSetGo combines luxury, efficiency, and personalisation like no other. Their round-the-clock concierge service and elite partnerships also make them a favourite with wedding planners who want that extra “wow” factor.

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BookMyCharters: Where Tech Meets Tiaras

If you need speed alongside luxury, BookMyCharters is the answer. Their tech-driven platform provides real-time availability and instant bookings across a fleet of over 25 aircraft. From flying your bridal party from Mumbai to Jaipur to whisking the couple off to a secluded island honeymoon, BookMyCharters makes the process seamless.

Each flight comes with concierge support, gourmet catering, and experiences curated for celebrations. This blend of modern tech convenience with classic luxury makes them perfect for time-sensitive, high-budget wedding logistics—bridging the gap between traditional aviation and contemporary demands.

Whether it’s a mehendi in the clouds, a post-wedding escape, or simply flying your nearest and dearest in ultimate comfort, these private charter companies are turning destination weddings in India into something truly sky-high.


Unboxed at The Lalit: Pride Month Exhibition Puts Queer Art in the Spotlight

Unboxed at The Lalit: Pride Month Exhibition Puts Queer Art in the Spotlight

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 1, 2025

In a city where tradition and transformation often collide, Art Junction at The Lalit New Delhi has carved out a unique identity as one of the capital’s most inclusive cultural spaces. This June, it strengthens that reputation with Unboxed, a bold Pride Month exhibition celebrating queer art and voices from across India.

Curated by Praveen Mahta, Unboxed is more than just an art show — it’s an intimate, unapologetic journey into the identities, struggles, and triumphs of LGBTQIA+ artists. Running through June, the exhibition gives centre stage to works that too often remain on the fringes. As Mahta says, “This is not just about art, this is about being allowed to take up space.”

The show features a diverse mix of emotionally charged canvases, surreal depictions of love and loss, and raw reflections on gender fluidity — each piece radiating honesty and urgency. Taking things further, Padma Shri awardee Naresh Kapuria led a special workshop for participating queer artists, helping them refine their techniques and deepen their creative confidence, underscoring Art Junction’s mission to nurture talent, not just display it.

The impact is already visible. Several artworks have found buyers through the platform — a breakthrough moment for many of these emerging artists. In a remarkable gesture, The Lalit has chosen not to take any commission from these sales. As Akshay Tyagi, DEI Head at The Lalit, put it, “It’s about giving these artists a stage they’re so often denied. It’s a living, breathing tribute to our philosophy of #PureLove — where diversity isn’t a theme, but a daily practice.”

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Art Junction has long championed inclusive and accessible curation. From showcasing women artists and neurodiverse creators to supporting rural artisans and survivors of marginalisation, the gallery has consistently offered more than just wall space — it provides visibility, validation, and a voice. This vision is deeply supported by Keshav Suri, Executive Director of The Lalit and Founder of the Keshav Suri Foundation, who continues to steer the brand as a beacon of LGBTQIA+ inclusion in hospitality.

As India steadily builds its dialogue around dignity, identity, and rights, Art Junction remains a vital space — not only for art, but for authenticity and hope.

Unboxed runs until June 30, 2025, at Art Junction, The Lalit New Delhi. Entry is free. Come for the art. Stay for the revolution.

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