Tour operators aim to cash in on Asia Cup

Tour operators Kuoni, Cox & Kings, Raj Travels and Travel Corporation of India (TCI) are designing holiday packages to Sri Lanka on the eve of Asia Cricket Cup, to be held during July16-August 1.

Kuoni is all set to unveil its three-day 'Sri Lanka Cricket-tourism' package priced at Rs 19,900, which includes airfare, hotel stay with breakfast, and a cricket match ticket for July 18.

There are several other packages on the shelf and the price depends on the date when the customer wants to watch the match. The closer the date of final match, the expensive the package.

Cox & Kings also plans to launch its holiday packages to Sri Lanka with match tickets next week. Raj Travels and TCI are currently working out packages that would be announced in the next two weeks.

Most of the three-day packages are expected to be priced in the range of Rs 20,000-Rs 25,000 (depending on the match day) while a five-day package could cost as much as Rs 29,000-Rs 35,000.

"We have identified the opportunity and are working towards capitalising on it," says Lalit Sheth, chairman and managing director of Raj travels.

G R Iengar, manager (leisure division), Cox & Kings, said, "We sold close to 800 packages during the India-Pakistan series despite visa and other problems. We are gearing up for the Sri Lanka opportunity and we expect major traffic outflow from Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai and New Delhi."

A senior executive at a leading tour operator in Mumbai said, "It is all about seizing a business opportunity at the right time. Cricket is like religion in India and we expect our packages would be sold out within 10-15 days after the launch. We have received lot of inquiries from corporates and individual group and are accordingly designing packages."

The competition is expected to hot up once private-sector domestic carriers, such as Jet Airways and Air Sahara, firm up their plans to announce such packages. These carriers have been recently allowed to fly to Saarc nations.