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Hotels celebrate as revenues soar during the festive season.

Hotels are expecting some revival in their business during the festive and holiday season, starting from October till year-end. With some positivity already being seen in the month of October, hotels are expecting bookings to go up by at least 10% in addition to increased business from F&B and the MICE segment.

Anil Madhok, managing director, Sarovar Hotels and Resorts, said: “We are experiencing a revival in demand already. An increase of around 8-10% is expected, especially with corporate travel picking up pace. The domestic leisure travel has witnessed growth with inbound segment also showing positive signs.”

Although five-star hotels see less booking during Diwali as people prefer spending time at home with relatives and guests, the F&B business does well during this period.

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“During the festival season, it will be fair to say that hotels face the impact in terms of occupancy; however the festive season provides a fillip to the F&B and banquet business,” said Karan Berry, general manager, Courtyard by Marriott, Chennai.

The whole month of November and the beginning of December see good business from the MICE segment, which hotels are very keen to cash in on.

“Historically, these are the best months when it comes to travel in Hyderabad. Also, it is a fact that people want to accomplish most of their pending tasks and meetings before we enter the last festive period, so yes, we already do see guests booking in advance for the months of November and early December,” said Shibil Malik, director, sales, Ista Hotel, Hyderabad.

Hotels in leisure destination expect demand to pick up during the Christmas and New Year vacation.

“We are hoping to see a tourist influx in Goa. Post the events of 2008, the tourist graph in India did take a downturn, however, this time around we are looking forward to rising numbers from both domestic and international markets,” said Marc von Arnim, general manager, Park Hyatt Goa Resort and Spa.

Most hotels have preferred not to increase the rates this year owing to sluggish demand for rooms. This is one of the reasons that will revive bookings, industry players think.

“Unlike 2008, hotel rates have not increased this year, which is a good thing for travellers. In the coming months we will see customers taking their holidays and hence there will be an increase in bookings in November and December,” said Ashwin Damera, chief executive officer and co-founder, Travelguru. He expects a 20% growth in hotel bookings this festive season, over the last year.