Travel, airline firms set to cash in on cricket frenzy

If you thought only the cricket fans are upbeat about the coming India-Pakistan cricket series, you are wrong.

The travel and airlines companies have already jumped to encash the cricket frenzy by offering various tour packages for the India and Pakistan series that start from March 13.

One airline that has its hands full is Indian Airlines. All flights to Pakistan have been sold out till March 26.

"We are planning to increase the frequency of the Indian Airlines flights to Lahore, if we receive good enquires but nothing has been finalised yet." said Bharat Tikle, area marketing manager, Indian Airlines.

Indian Airlines has introduced special tour package for the passengers traveling to Lahore for the cricket match from March 1 to April 30.

The package includes return airfare, deluxe room, airport transfer, buffet breakfast, welcome drink, fruit basket, use of health club, discount on laundry, food and beverages for three nights and four day stay at Hotel Holiday Inn, Lahore.

This package is can be availed by all flying in Indian Airlines to Lahore from Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kolkata and Lucknow.

The package from Ahmedabad costs Rs 27,355, Rs 43,590, and Rs 60,860 for single, double and triple occupancy respectively.

The package also includes sight seeing of specified tourist spots from Lahore zoo, museum, Minar-e-Pakistan, Jehangir's Tomb, Anarkali market, Badshahi Mosque, Jullo Park, Soza Water park, Wagah border, Fortress Stadium, Liberty market and Anarkali Bazar.

Though all the air tickets has been booked till March 26, Cox and Kings offers special tour package from Wagah border by bus.

The tour package cost $245 and includes ticket of the cricket match at Lahore, travel to Lahore by air conditioned luxury bus, accommodation at hotel, breakfasts and local sight seeing.

"We are waiting to see if Indian Airlines increases frequency of its flights. If not we will arrange air tour package again. The company has already booked tickets for more than 500 passengers via train and road." said Sanjeev Chhajer, vice president, Cox and Kings.

Thomas Cook, another player in the travel market, is planning to come up with a special package for the Indo-Pak cricket series from Monday.

"Travel Corporation India (TCI) Private Ltd has also received lot queries and we are rendering our services only in the ticketing." said Anurag Mathur, manager TCI.