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.


Madam Chocolate and BELAGIO Unveil Festive Christmas Gifting Collections 2025

Madam Chocolate and BELAGIO Unveil Festive Christmas Gifting Collections 2025

By Hariharan U

Published on December 16, 2025

This Christmas, Bengaluru’s dessert scene gets a festive upgrade as two homegrown brands, Madam Chocolate and BELAGIO, introduce their limited-edition Christmas Collections 2025. Designed for gifting, celebrations, and corporate hampers, both collections focus on handcrafted quality, festive flavours, and thoughtful presentation.

Madam Chocolate: Christmas Collection 2025

Bangalore’s fast-growing chocolate dessert brand, Madam Chocolate, brings festive cheer with a playful yet indulgent Christmas Collection that blends craftsmanship with holiday nostalgia. Perfect for personal gifting or festive tables, the collection highlights the brand’s love for detail and flavour.

The collection features the Belgian Couverture Chocolate Santa, a festive centrepiece crafted using premium Belgian chocolate. Another highlight is the Plum Cake House, an eggless plum cake soaked in orange juice and warming spices, then dipped in Madam Chocolate’s signature milk chocolate — a comforting classic with a festive twist.

Adding colour and charm are the Christmas Petit Gâteaux, featuring seasonal versions of popular favourites like Signature Choco Melt, Panda Black Forest, and Dubai Cheese Bomb, all finished with festive décor. The Christmas Bon Bons, hand-painted and artisanal, round off the collection, making them ideal for sharing or gifting.

Every creation reflects Madam Chocolate’s focus on handcrafted indulgence, combining festive visuals with familiar flavours that feel joyful and comforting.

BELAGIO: Christmas Couture Dessert Gifting 2025

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Luxury online patisserie BELAGIO introduces its Couture Dessert Gifting Collection 2025, inspired by Italian-style patisserie and couture craftsmanship. Known for its refined textures and elegant presentation, BELAGIO’s festive range is tailored for premium gifting and holiday celebrations.

The collection includes a curated Chocolate Collection featuring rich, multi-layered entremets, alongside a Berry Collection that offers lighter, fruit-forward flavours. The Fruit Collection brings together tropical and seasonal fruits in vibrant, festive compositions. For customised needs, BELAGIO also offers eggless and dietary-friendly options on request.

Each dessert is built with layers of sponge, mousse, cream, and ganache, finished with flawless mirror glazes and presented in bespoke BELAGIO packaging making every gift feel thoughtful and special.

Order Christmas Gifts: www.belagio.in

Together, Madam Chocolate and BELAGIO offer two distinct yet equally indulgent ways to celebrate Christmas 2025 — whether through playful handcrafted chocolates or refined couture-style desserts. From personal gifting to corporate celebrations, these festive collections promise sweetness, style, and seasonal cheer.


Manam Chocolate Spreads the Joy This Diwali with Its 2025 Festive Collection

Manam Chocolate Spreads the Joy This Diwali with Its 2025 Festive Collection

By Hariharan U

Published on October 11, 2025

The clinking of glasses, laughter echoing through homes, and tables filled with sweets, snacks, and gifts, it can only mean one thing: Diwali is here. And this year, Manam Chocolate joins the celebration with its Diwali Edition 2025, crafted to capture the spirit of togetherness that defines the season.

Manam’s festive collection celebrates the tables we gather around, where families reunite, friends reconnect, and conversations stretch late into the night. Whether it’s for a long dinner, a taash night, or simply a quiet evening at home, the brand’s new collection brings something special to every kind of gathering. Because at the heart of Diwali, there’s always room for more, more laughter, more food, and of course, more chocolate.

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The Manam Diwali Edition 2025 is designed around the theme of festive tables, filled with gifts to share, flavours to discover, and moments to savour. The collection includes an array of indulgent chocolates, pastries, and desserts, offering something for every celebration and every palate. From grand centerpiece assortments to small treats meant to be shared, Manam invites everyone to create their own kind of Diwali.

India’s award-winning craft chocolate brand brings a collection of bonbons, palettes, tablets, clusters, cookies, thins, spreads, and more, all made from cacao beans grown in the West Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh. Each creation is beautifully packed in limited-edition boxes illustrated by artist Namrata Kumar, whose signature impressionistic style captures scenes from Manam’s cacao farms and fermentery, the Chocolate Karkhana in Hyderabad, and homes filled with festive warmth.

The Highlights of Manam’s Diwali 2025 Collection, The Diwali Indulgence Collection – Bite-sized bonbons and palettes in flavours like Coconut & Curry Leaf, Hazelnut Praline, Lemon Cheesecake, and Birthday Cake. Treats & Tablets Box – A mix of textures and origins featuring Malabar 69%, Toffee Almond, and Raspberry & Rose, Celebration & Gifting Assortments – Ranging from the lavish Diwali Celebration Box to the compact Diwali Snack Selection, each box is crafted for gifting and gatherings. Diwali Preference Boxes – Curated to suit every taste, including dark, milk, vegan, and sweet-spice profiles, The Diwali Tablet Library – A selection of Manam’s most loved tablets like Pistachio Fudge, Coconut & Almond, Chai Biscuit, and Raspberry & Rose. The Diwali Dessert Spread, A rich mix of cakes and entremets, perfect for post-dinner indulgence, Diwali Celebration Cakes – Made to order, featuring flavours such as Hazelnut Coffee, Dark Chocolate Raspberry, Carrot & Apricot, and Coconut Lemon Custard. 

Each product has been designed to travel beautifully, look elegant, and fit perfectly into every festive moment — from gifting to hosting.

Visit & Order:
Manam Chocolate is available at:

  • New Delhi: Eldeco Centre, Saket

  • Hyderabad: Manam Chocolate Karkhana, Banjara Hills; Manam Chocolate Beverage Bar, Knowledge City
    Pan-India deliveries are available via www.manamchocolate.com. Orders can also be placed through Swiggy and Zomato in Hyderabad.

About Manam Chocolate:

Manam Chocolate, listed among TIME’s World’s Greatest Places 2024 and Conde Nast Traveller India’s Top Restaurants 2024, is a proudly Indian Craft Chocolate® brand. Derived from the Telugu word “Manam,” meaning “We” or “Us,” the brand represents a collective of farmers, fermenters, chocolate makers, and chocolatiers from Andhra Pradesh, redefining the craft chocolate movement in India with over 300 unique products across 50 categories.

This Diwali, Manam invites everyone to celebrate the tables that bring people together — where memories are made, laughter shared, and one more piece of chocolate is always welcome. Because when Manam Chocolate is at the table, there’s always room for more.


Hyatt Fair India 2025 Concludes with Resounding Success in Kochi

Hyatt Fair India 2025 Concludes with Resounding Success in Kochi

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 8, 2025

Hyatt Fair India 2025 concluded with resounding success at Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty on September 12 and 13, reaffirming its position as one of the most significant gatherings on Hyatt’s India calendar. Returning to Kochi for the second time since its debut in 2019, the event marked a full-circle moment for the city and the brand, uniting Kerala’s cultural charm with Hyatt’s global hospitality vision.

Over two vibrant days, the Fair brought together Hyatt’s leadership teams, general managers, partners, and hospitality professionals from across the country. The event served as a dynamic platform for dialogue, innovation, and celebration, all set against the scenic backdrop of Bolgatty Island.

The thoughtfully curated programme featured interactive sessions, engaging discussions, and immersive experiences reflecting Hyatt’s vision for the future of hospitality in India. Attendees enjoyed a seamless blend of networking, wellness, cultural showcases, and entertainment, creating an atmosphere where business and celebration came together effortlessly.

Dining was at the heart of the Fair’s experience. Themed dinners, traditional feasts, and a grand gala evening showcased the culinary artistry of Hyatt’s chefs, with signature restaurants from Hyatt hotels across India presenting their finest creations. This collective celebration of food and culture highlighted Hyatt’s culinary strength and its commitment to offering guests exceptional dining experiences.

The success of Hyatt Fair India 2025 was a reflection of teamwork and collaboration across every department at Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty, from culinary and events to sales, marketing, housekeeping, and guest services. Their collective effort turned the event into a weekend of extraordinary scale and impact.

The return of the Fair to Kochi symbolised more than just a reunion; it celebrated the city’s heritage of hospitality and its growing status as a hub of creativity, connection, and culture. By uniting business, wellness, cuisine, and community, Hyatt Fair India 2025 captured what makes Hyatt truly special, the ability to create experiences that are both meaningful and memorable.

As the curtains closed, the message was clear: Hyatt Fair India 2025 was not only a celebration of hospitality at its finest but also a reflection of Hyatt’s enduring commitment to innovation, excellence, and creating moments that remain truly Grand.

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