Ahmedabad scores tourism windfall with IPL finale

Ahmedabad: The IPL final between Gujarat Titans and Royal Challengers Bengaluru has turned Ahmedabad into a magnet for cricket fans, triggering a surge in travel and hospitality demand as thousands prepare to descend on the city for the season’s biggest showdown. Airlines, hotels and railways are all scrambling to accommodate the influx, with additional flights, rising hotel occupancies and special train services being rolled out ahead of the blockbuster clash.

Many visitors are even extending their stay to turn their visit for the season’s climax into a weekend getaway.

Airlines have moved quickly to cash in on the demand spike. Akasa Air has introduced two additional flights connecting Ahmedabad with Bengaluru and Navi Mumbai on May 31 and June 1. The rush is also being felt in the charter aviation segment, with industry estimates indicating nearly 20 charter aircraft movements at Ahmedabad airport on Sunday alone.

The hospitality sector is emerging as one of the biggest winners from the IPL finale. Hotels across Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar are reporting a sharp rise in bookings and stronger average daily room rates (ADRs), providing a welcome boost during a period that is traditionally considered a lean season for the industry.

“We are witnessing a consistent surge in room bookings and are almost sold out. Adding to the celebratory atmosphere, the hotel has curated multiple IPL-themed pop-ups across its public areas and restaurants, perfectly reflecting the passion and enthusiasm of cricket fans during the season,” said Akshay Kavra, general manager, ITC Narmada.

Many visitors are also turning the final into a mini holiday, extending their stay beyond match day and combining cricket with leisure travel.

Vikas Sood, general manager, The Leela Gandhinagar, said, “The IPL final has generated significant interest among travellers, with many visitors turning the event into a weekend getaway rather than a single-day trip. We have observed a rise in bookings from guests looking to combine the excitement of the match with a broader leisure experience.”

Hotels across the city are witnessing healthy demand. Prashant Chadha, general manager, Le Meridien Ahmedabad, said the event has contributed to the city’s growing appeal as a destination for large-scale events.

Several travellers continue to struggle for confirmed tickets for the match. Several cricket fans who booked tickets for the IPL final through official channels claim they are yet to receive confirmation. On the ticketing platform, many bookings continue to be marked as ‘coming soon’, leaving supporters anxious just days before the match.

However, while the city gears up for the cricket carnival, many fans remain frustrated over ticketing issues. Several supporters who booked tickets through official channels claim they are yet to receive confirmation. “The booking app is not allowing bookings. It shows ‘additional tickets coming soon’, but the booking window has not opened. Event booking apps really need better efficiency given that multiple people will be booking tickets simultaneously,” said Biraj Shah, a professional from the city.