Cricket fans head Down Under to cheer team India

Tour operators are witnessing demand from customers post the Indian team's three victories

India's emphatic victories in the first three group-level matches in the cricket World Cup are leading to a surge in travel to Australia and New Zealand.

Tour operators are facing demand from customers keen on watching the quarter-finals, semis and the final. Several fans have already booked themselves for the India-West Indies match at Perth on Friday, which coincides with the Holi weekend.

“There has been a surge in travel demand after India's early victories. The Australian High Commission had informed agents it could take up to 15 days to process visa applications, but agents covered by a preferred agency scheme are receiving visas in 48-96 hours,” said Guldeep Singh Sahni, president of the Outbound Tour Operators’ Association of India. Trips had become costlier by Rs 30,000-40,000 per person, largely due to the rise in air fares, he added. “A three-night package for the final, which earlier cost Rs 1.5 lakh per person, is now being sold for about Rs 2 lakh,” said Mayank Khandwala, founder of Cutting Edge Events, one of the official agents for the World Cup.

"The Holi weekend has seen an additional increase in bookings of nearly 20 per cent. We have been receiving a lot of bookings from corporates. There are several meeting and incentive tour groups and corporate engagements planned in Australia to coincide with the match schedule. Our meeting and incentive tour bookings have increased by 20-25 percent as compared to last year," said Neelu Singh, chief operating officer, Ezeego1.com.

“Our sales teams are reporting a 33 per cent rise in enquiries,” said Jatinder Paul Singh, senior vice-president, Thomas Cook India. Yatra.com, too, had seen a 50 per cent growth in demand after the initial two matches, said Sharat Dhall, president of Yatra.com.

Last-minute travellers will, however, find it difficult because weekend flights to Australia have fewer seats. Also hotels, match tickets and visas pose issues.

Australian corporate houses are inviting their Indian counterparts to watch the World Cup live. Indian consumer goods companies are hosting dealers and distributors in Australia.

“We wanted to engage with our customers and showcase our Australian strengths. The cricket World Cup was an attractive opportunity to do so,” said Vikram Nimkar, country head, India, Westpac Banking Corporation.