MUMBAI: Booking.com, leading digital travel brand and official Accommodation Booking Partner for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, has released a new research report.
The research was commissioned by Booking.com in collaboration with YouGov and independently conducted among a sample of 1000 cricket fans and travellers from India.
According to the study, 72% of Indians are excited about the upcoming T20 World Cup, while travelling to see their team live in action is a dream for 58% of Indian cricket fans who want to show their support at the stadium.
The research reveals that if they are travelling to the UAE to watch the World Cup live, Indians want to visit famous tourist spots (53%), explore local cuisine (48%), visit shopping malls (45%), explore nightlife (44%) and visit nearby destinations (44%).
Watching a live cricket match a dream for many Indians
As per the study, 58% of Indians have been dreaming to watch a cricket match live, with nearly 45% of Indian cricket fans saying that they are likely to travel to a destination for cricket even if it is not in their travel bucket list. In addition, a similar number (45%) of Indian cricket enthusiasts say they would plan their honeymoon (seriously?) to a destination that is hosting a live cricket match. The research also states 63% of Indians would travel with their family/kids to watch a World Cup.
With the T20 World Cup already in play, 72% of Indian cricket fans have stated they are excited about the tournament. Central to their wider cricket viewing and playing experience, 8 in 10 Indians stated that cricket as a game not only unites but is also an integral part of India that defines who we are as a nation.
Additionally, 86% believe that Indians are the most passionate cricket fans in the world. The research reveals that dedicated fans are willing to cancel plans to ensure they can watch the cricket match with almost half (49%) of Indians stating that they would cancel a pre-planned catch-up with friends to watch a key rival match. Moreover, 52% of Indian fans said they are willing to take unpaid leave from work to watch a live India match in the upcoming World Cup, with an equal number (52%) of Indians willing to call in sick at work to watch their favourite team play.
Rivals bring out the best in each other
60% of those who took the survey mentioned that they are likely to watch cricket with someone who is supporting a rival team. Talking about rivalry, Indian cricket fans responded that they want to see Pakistan compete against India in the T20 World Cup Finals, followed by Australia and England.
Sharing thoughts on India’s love for cricket and excitement for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, Ritu Mehrotra, regional manager, South Asia at Booking.com, said: “We know cricket is not just a sport in India, but an emotion that unites the country. It’s heartening to see our love for cricket will see Indian fans travelling again and the passion Indians have for the sport. We are very excited to be the official Accommodation Booking Partner for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup and through this partnership, we look forward to offering cricket fans the easiest booking experience for their perfect travel stays and creating an unforgettable experience.”
