Hotels celebrate and curate festival experiences with Indian festivals like Durga Puja, Diwali, Holi, Poila Baisakh and many more, in addition to Christmas, New Year, Oktoberfest and other festivals.
Festival tourism has a significant impact on hospitality, particularly in a vibrant city like Mumbai which is home to iconic celebrations such as Ganesh Chaturthi, Navratri, Diwali and Christmas, as well as cultural and lifestyle events. These occasions attract not only domestic travellers but also international guests who want to experience the city’s festive spirit. During this time, hotels witness a marked increase in both room bookings and F&B footfalls, boosting overall occupancy and revenue.
Festival tourism has become a significant driver of demand in the hospitality industry, as festivals act as natural magnets that bring in large volumes of both domestic and international travellers. Whether cultural, religious, music, or lifestyle-oriented, festivals create a sense of urgency and exclusivity that drives short-term booking spikes and longer stays. For a hotel, this translates into higher occupancy rates, premium room pricing, and the ability to cross-sell food & beverage outlets, spa, and banquets.
The primary challenge lies in balancing high guest demand with uncompromised service quality. Managing logistics, staffing, and maintaining inventory while ensuring a seamless guest experience requires detailed pre-planning.
Special staycation packages and curated dining experiences are often launched to coincide with festivals. These may include festive brunches, wellness experiences, or curated hampers. Guests often look for holistic offerings that allow them to celebrate with convenience and luxury, which we aim to provide.
Festival tourism serves as a powerful revenue optimization tool, transforming traditionally low-demand periods into high-yield opportunities. Beyond immediate occupancy gains, festivals create a multiplier effect—driving ancillary revenues through F&B, celebrations, and extended stays. The strategic value lies in attracting new customer segments while deepening loyalty among existing guests.
Festival and their impact on tourism represents more than a commercial opportunity—it’s about positioning our hotel as an integral part of the destination’s cultural fabric.
Read the full story that first appeared in Hotelier India’s September 2025 issue here:
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