India’s growing reputation as a hub for international live events is providing a significant boost to the country’s hospitality sector. With globally renowned artists like Coldplay, Shawn Mendes, Ed Sheeran and Dua Lipa performing across major cities, hotels are witnessing a surge in bookings and occupancy rates.
“Cities like Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Pune, etc, which regularly host large-scale concerts, have shown upward trends in hotel bookings, with a marked spike in demand for rooms around event dates. This increase is often accompanied by longer-than-usual stays, as concertgoers frequently extend their trips to explore the city or attend pre and post event activities,” said Suhail Kannampilly, managing director, The Fern Hotels & Resorts.
Shyam Kumar, general manager of DoubleTree by Hilton Bengaluru Whitefield, noted a 20 to 25 per cent increase in occupancy rates during major concerts. “Beyond boosting occupancy, such concerts strengthen the city’s position as a premier entertainment and cultural destination, attracting a diverse mix of leisure and business travellers,” he said.
These events are also allowing hotels to engage directly with a diverse demographic, including high-net-worth individuals, international tourists and music enthusiasts.
“There is a significant opportunity to enhance guest experiences by offering tailored packages, VIP services, and concert-related amenities, which not only elevate our brand positioning but also increase guest satisfaction. By offering exclusive concert-related packages, early check-ins, late check-outs, or shuttle services to and from the venue, we cater to the specific needs of concertgoers, ensuring that their stay is both convenient and memorable,” added Kannampilly.
Tony Marshall, vice president and managing director for Asia-Pacific at Agilysys, pointed out the challenges and opportunities in managing high guest volumes during live events.
“With India rapidly becoming a hotspot for international concerts, the hospitality sector has a golden opportunity to capitalise on increased demand. Earlier this year, Mumbai saw a massive surge in hotel prices ahead of the Coldplay concert. As live events continue to bring thousands of fans to major cities, hotels must go beyond simply accommodating guests – they must justify premium pricing by delivering exceptional, memorable experiences,” he noted.
Marshall suggested that Indian hotels elevate the guest experience by adding personalised touches, such as providing concert-themed tokens and custom merchandise at check-in, or creating in-room amenities like playlists inspired by the performing artists.
