Hospitality revenue outlook during the wedding season, Hospitality News, ET HospitalityWorld
The Indian wedding season is a time of great celebration and joy, but additionally it offers a significant opportunity for the hospitality industry to maximize revenues in multiple verticals. With millions of Indians getting married every year, the demand for venues, catering services, and accommodation is at an all-time high, and of late, the wedding industry is a key revenue generator for hotels, restaurants, and event venues. Although the pandemic brought about a steep decrease in weddings and its scale, we have foregone the slump and have been consistently seeing a sharp growth, which is predicted to remain in the coming years.
The demand for travel has been bolstered in FY23 by MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) activity as well as the wedding season and domestic travel. Yet, declining outward travel from India and longer wait periods for travel permits and visas amid rising inflation have increased domestic demand in the current fiscal year. As the country holds the G20 presidency, the ICC Cricket World Cup and inbound foreign travel resumes, along with strong domestic demand for weddings, the sector’s ARR (Average Room Revenue) should continue to rise in 2023–24, increasing overall revenue. It is crucial for hospitality businesses to prepare for the influx of guests and events during this time, take advantage of this period, and maximize yield. Hotels and resorts can capitalize on the wedding season by offering personalized wedding experiences and tailor made wedding packages that cater specifically to meet the guests’ expectations. By providing customized menus, unique decor and cultural entertainment options, hotels can often become preferred choices for wedding venues.
1. Tailor-made choice of accommodation
Design accommodation options that include exclusive access to spa and salon; personalized butler services; guided tours of local attractions; or adventure activities like trekking or parasailing. Moreover, it is vital that along with the preferences of the bride and groom, the hotel should extend equal importance to other residential guests/families. They act as spontaneous brand ambassadors resulting in future wedding leads.
2. Exclusive venue offerings
Provide venue options like Bollywood themed set-ups, enthralling ceremony proceedings, custom themed arrangements, Sangeet nights (musical evenings), or even a unique arrival experience with vintage cars and more.
3. Personalized wedding menus
Offer customized menus based on regional cuisines, dietary requirements, or fusion options that blend traditional Indian dishes with global flavours.
4. Unique decor
Adhering to the current trends, the event team curates distinct ambiances by incorporating elaborate decorations such as colorful drapes, floral arrangements, insta-worthy backdrops/photo booths and intricate mandap designs.
5. Social media promotions:
Leverage social media platforms such as Instagram or Facebook to display the hotel’s offerings through visually appealing content such as photoshoots featuring happy couples in their wedding attitude against stunning backdrops within the property. Their unmatched experience is then amplified through various digital platforms, which in turn source further wedding leads for the coming season.
Furthermore, with the rise of destination weddings in India, hotels tend to promote themselves as ideal wedding destinations. By showcasing their scenic locations and luxurious amenities, they can appeal to couples looking for a unique wedding experience.
In conclusion, the Indian wedding season presents a lucrative opportunity for the hospitality industry to increase its revenue. By offering tailored services that cater to Indian weddings’ specific needs and preferences, hotels can attract more customers and establish themselves as premier wedding destinations.
– The writer is the director of sales and marketing, Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach
