City travel agents say the 20-20 format is attracting more bookings
City travel agents say the 20-20 format is attracting more bookings
It took the cricket world by storm when it started, and changed the face of the game altogether. And with the fourth edition coming up, the Indian Premier League seems to have surpassed the cricket World Cup in terms of popularity. 
Those associated with travel industry say that people are more interested in watching the IPL matches rather than that of the international tournament.
"If there are 10 bookings of cricket-related tour in a day, six would be for IPL matches. And people are booking now, two months ahead of the tourney," says Gaur Kanjhi Lal, a representative of Indian Tour and Travel Operators (IATO).
While World Cup starts from February 17, IPL will begin immediately after the World Cup gets over. According to travel industry experts, the months between October to March are considered the best in terms of inbound tourism in the country. "After two years of low tourism activity, there seems to be a silver lining. Compared to last year, and the year 2008, this year there is an increase of 10 per cent in bookings," said Vijay Thakur, another IATO representative.
"Apparently, people are preferring IPL over World Cup because of the former's format. There is so much money and glamour associated with the IPL. That could be another factor," Lal said.
Of all the cricket-related bookings, travel agents say 60 per cent are by Indians themselves. "There will be only 40 per cent bookings from international tourists," added Lal.
An international delegation comprising 130 tour operators will visit India in March. This could further help IPL in getting the international crowd. "They will be taken across India. It is an initiative taken by the government of India to popularise famous tourist spots in the country. The World Cup might not get crowd because of it but the IPL might benefit from it in terms of crowd factor," said Thakur.
TUI India, the official travel agent for World Cup 2011, refuses to accept that IPL is getting more bookings. "There is lot of excitement and action. We would not like to reveal figures at this point, but the response is very good," said Arjun Sharma, MD, Le Passage TUI India. Apparently, people are preferring IPL over World Cup because of the former's format. There is so much money and glamour associated with the IPL. That could be another factor," Lal said.
60%
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Of the bookings are made by
international tourists
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