Cricket enthusiasts in the UAE are gearing up for an exciting trip to Colombo, with costs for a weekend getaway to see the India-Pakistan T20 clash on Sunday exceeding Dh6,500. Rising airfare and hotel prices have contributed to the overall expense for fans looking to experience the match live in the stadium.
An analysis by Khaleej Times highlights that return tickets from Dubai to Colombo are averaging around Dh3,700 during this peak period. Prices fluctuate depending on flight dates and booking availability, impacting many fans eager to attend the match.
For Friday flights, average tickets cost about Dh1,680 for the outbound journey, while return fares three days later are around Dh1,200. Those traveling on Saturday can expect to pay approximately Dh2,000 for onward flights. Return tickets on Tuesday typically hover around Dh1,600. As the match draws near, travel agents note a surge in bookings, which has led to escalating prices.
Among those heading to Colombo is Jahanzeb, a Pakistani businessman residing in Dubai, who prioritizes attending India-Pakistan matches whenever possible. He has taken time off work to enjoy the live experience and believes that the stadium atmosphere is unique.
Jahanzeb purchased his return ticket just days ago for Dh2,300 before fares increased. He plans to leave on Friday and return on Tuesday, effectively transforming his trip into a long weekend. Additionally, he booked a three-night stay at a central Colombo hotel for about Dh2,200. Current listings indicate that a four-day stay in a five-star property during the match can range from Dh1,800 to Dh4,000, contingent on the hotel and location.
Ticket prices for the match can vary by seating category, with mid-range options priced between Dh400 and Dh600. Fans are also advised to budget for local transport, airport transfers, meals, and sightseeing, which might add another Dh600 to Dh800 to their overall expenditures. Consequently, the total cost for a short weekend trip can reach anywhere from Dh6,000 to Dh7,000.
“It is expensive, but India-Pakistan is not an ordinary match,” noted Jahanzeb.
The visa process appears straightforward, contributing to a robust demand among cricket fans from both nations. Subair Thekepurathvalappil, senior manager at Wisefox Travel and Tourism, emphasized the enthusiasm among fans attending the match. He mentioned that many travelers aim to merge their match experience with a brief vacation before Ramadan.
Highlighting the significance of such high-profile matches, he stated that they occur only once every few years, and fans are eager to make the most of the stadium experience. The increase in hotel rates reflects the boost in tourism activity this match is anticipated to generate in Colombo.