F1 crew filling up hotels, but interest among public still low

The hype around the Indian leg of Formula 1 seems to have taken a hit this year, with fewer ticket sales so far as compared with last year. This, in turn, has impacted hotel bookings.

The hype around the Indian leg of Formula 1 seems to have taken a hit this year, with fewer ticket sales so far as compared with last year. This, in turn, has impacted hotel bookings.

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"Anything happening the second time lacks the same excitement," says Akshay Kulkarni, regional director (hospitality) at Cushman & Wakefield.

"Last year, rooms went for Rs. 30,000 a night. This year, enthusiasts from Mumbai and Bangalore are not coming."

Fortunately for such hotels, crewmembers from various racing teams have taken up occupancy there.

"The F1 was a huge success last year. There have been fewer bookings this time," says Ankur Bhatia, executive director, Bird Group.

"But hotels closest to the venue are all booked by the racing teams." In fact, some hotels were fully booked more than a month ago.