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.

image

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.


Oven Fresh: A Vegetarian Delight on the Highway to Lonavala

Oven Fresh: A Vegetarian Delight on the Highway to Lonavala

By Nishang Narayan

Published on October 24, 2024

As more people lean towards vegetarianism for health and sustainability reasons, finding top-notch vegetarian dining options can still be quite the task. Enter Oven Fresh, a culinary gem perfectly positioned on the busy highway to Lonavala. Since its inception in 1993 in Mumbai, this restaurant has carved a niche for itself, delighting both locals and travelers with its exceptional vegetarian offerings.

Oven Fresh prides itself on its unwavering commitment to culinary excellence and customer satisfaction. The spacious restaurant features thoughtfully arranged seating to cater to various group sizes. Guests can choose between Magnolia, which specializes in Indian, South Indian, and Gujarati dishes and seats up to 200 people, and Camellia, where patrons can savor Italian, Continental, Asian, and Mexican cuisine alongside signature cocktails. For those traveling with pets, the non-AC section is a welcoming space to enjoy meals together.

image

Founder Raunak Mehta shares, “At Oven Fresh, we believe in the power of good food to bring people together. Our commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction drives us to create a dining experience that is both memorable and enjoyable. We are grateful for the support of our community and look forward to continuing to serve you with the best vegetarian cuisine.”

imageThe menu is a delightful mix of signature dishes and refreshing beverages, featuring fruity mocktails and unique cocktails. Among the standout offerings, the Veg Kolhapuri shines with its spicy tomato gravy, while the Mix Veg Kafir Lime offers a distinct yellow gravy that’s a must-try. Over in Camellia, the Paneer Pepper Steak paired with Mexican rice and BBQ sauce has garnered a loyal following. And let’s not forget their pizzas, made with a sourdough base, which have earned rave reviews.

The ambiance at Oven Fresh is cozy yet contemporary, enriched with rustic charm. Warm lighting and comfortable seating create a relaxed atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for individuals, families, and groups. Adding to the experience, live piano performances featuring soulful retro Bollywood tunes fill the air every evening, making it a perfect choice for celebrations like birthdays and anniversaries.

image

Ensuring freshness and quality, Oven Fresh sources its ingredients from trusted local suppliers and adheres to stringent food safety standards. Vegans can also indulge in a variety of options, including flavorful tofu dishes and crisp salads. For those who prefer dining at home, reliable delivery is available through Zomato and Swiggy.

Every visit to Oven Fresh promises a culinary experience that celebrates the best of vegetarian cuisine.

For more information, visit: Oven Fresh Instagram


The Reservoire Indiranagar Launches Exclusive Sunday Breakfast Menu

The Reservoire Indiranagar Launches Exclusive Sunday Breakfast Menu

By Nishang Narayan

Published on October 23, 2024

The Reservoire Indiranagar, a beloved destination for food enthusiasts in Bengaluru, is thrilled to announce the launch of its highly anticipated Sunday breakfast menu. Tailored to suit a wide range of palates, the new menu offers something for everyone—from health-conscious diners to those looking to indulge in some comfort food.

image

One of the standout dishes is the B.E.L.T., a savory delight that combines thick-cut bacon, a perfectly cooked over-easy egg, crisp lettuce, tomato, and herb aioli, all sandwiched between toasted sourdough slices. For a heartier option, the Bacon N Pita delivers an irresistible combination of grilled pita, bacon jam, fried eggs, sausage, and basil pesto, guaranteed to satisfy.

For those with a sweet tooth, the decadent Banoffee Pancakes offer a perfect indulgence, while the Pitaya Mix Berry Smoothie Bowl provides a vegan-friendly, refreshing option with its vibrant mix of dragon fruit, berries, and banana, topped with chia seeds and nuts.

image

The Reservoire Indiranagar invites guests to enjoy this delectable breakfast spread every Sunday from 8 AM to 11 AM. Whether you're craving a savory dish or something sweet, the new menu promises to elevate your Sunday morning dining experience.

When: Every Sunday
Where: The Reservoire Indiranagar
Address: 3rd and 4th Floor, No. 949, 12th Main Rd, HAL 2nd Stage, Appareddipalya, Indiranagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560038

Drop in for a delightful breakfast experience that’s as diverse as it is delicious!


Celebrate Diwali with a Luxurious Staycation at The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore

Celebrate Diwali with a Luxurious Staycation at The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on October 22, 2024

This Diwali, The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore presents its Indulgent Escapes Festive Package, inviting families to experience unmatched luxury and festive cheer. With world-class service and thoughtfully curated experiences, the hotel offers a perfect blend of celebration and relaxation in the heart of the city.

image

From the moment guests arrive, they are welcomed with warmth and grandeur, setting the tone for an unforgettable stay. The experience begins with an exclusive Diwali High Tea at the Lobby Lounge, where premium tea blends are paired with festive delicacies, offering a serene start to the holiday.

image

Throughout their stay, families can enjoy gourmet breakfasts and dinners at The Market, the hotel’s global dining restaurant. With dishes crafted by master chefs, every meal promises to be a sensory delight. Couples can retreat to BANG, the iconic rooftop bar, for complimentary cocktails while enjoying panoramic views of Bangalore’s skyline.

image

Children under 12 dine and stay for free, with dedicated Ritz Kids activities keeping them entertained. The evenings are further enhanced by the hotel’s signature Mashaal Lighting ceremony, adding a magical touch to the celebrations.

Special Culinary Experiences

Guests can elevate their festive experience with two exclusive dining events:

Diwali Luncheon at The Market: From October 21st to 31st, enjoy a vibrant celebration over lunch with dishes that reflect the spirit of the season.

Time: 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm

image

Treasures of the Season at Riwaz: From October 27th to November 2nd, savor a traditional Awadhi Thali, rich in spices and flavors, showcasing the culinary heritage of India.

Lunch: 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm | Dinner: 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm

image

The Ritz-Carlton extends the festive joy beyond the hotel with Jewels of Diwali hampers from Ganache, the hotel’s artisanal patisserie. Guests can surprise loved ones with bespoke hampers available for PAN India delivery, ensuring the spirit of Diwali is shared across distances.

With every detail carefully planned, The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore promises a Diwali staycation filled with cherished moments and luxurious experiences. From curated meals to festive rituals, guests can indulge in a memorable holiday. Use promotional code D60 to explore exclusive offers and elevate your celebrations at this urban oasis.

Stay up-to-date with the latest Hospitality news and trends in the Hospitality industry!

Subscribe to Hospitality news e-magazine for free and never miss an issue.

By clicking subscribe for free you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.