How hoteliers can create unforgettable stays for pilgrims

Mahakumbh Mela is the world’s largest spiritual gathering and will be held on January 13, 2025 in Prayagraj. Known for its immense cultural, economic and spiritual significance, Mahakumbh is expected to attract over Rs 300 million (300 million) of tourists, surpassing the Kumbh Mela held in 2013, which had around 240 million visitors.

This event is not only a spiritual meeting, but also a catalyst for major economic activities, providing a golden opportunity for the hotel industry.

In this blog, we look at how hoteliers in India, especially those in nearby cities like Varanasi, Gorakhpur, Chitrakoot, Lucknow and Ayodhya, can prepare , adapt to the surge in travelers and take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime event.

Significant increase in demand

The Kumbh Mela is held every 12 years, so the influx of millions of pilgrims and tourists creates unprecedented demand for accommodation, from luxury and mid-range hotels to budget accommodation and tents. During the 2013 Kumbh Mela, the event generated approximately 12,000 crore rupees ($1.45 billion) in economic activity, a large portion of which benefited the hospitality and tourism industries.

In 2025, the scale will be even greater. As facilities expand to include luxury tent accommodations and upgraded infrastructure, the demand for reliable hospitality solutions has never been higher.

Why this is a major opportunity for hoteliers

As India prepares for the Kumbh Mela, the hospitality industry stands at the crossroads of tradition and opportunity. By combining service with the spiritual and cultural significance of an event, hoteliers can leave a lasting impression on millions of visitors. Whether through luxury accommodation, cultural immersion or sustainability efforts, the Kumbh Mela provides a platform for innovation and growth in the tourism industry.

How hotels can leverage Mahakumbh 2025: Strategies for success

Mahakumbh 2025 presents an excellent opportunity for hotels to increase revenue, build long-term guest relationships and position themselves as leaders in the hospitality industry. Hoteliers can take advantage of this event effectively by:

1. Carry out targeted activities:

Hotels can attract visitors through strategic marketing campaigns:

• Customized package: Pilgrimage-focused packages are available that include transportation to the main baths and nearby religious sites, as well as meals and guided tours.
• Localized advertising: Invest in digital advertising on platforms like Google and Facebook, targeting keywords like “stay in Kumbh Mela” in Hindi and English to attract local and international tourists.
• Social media promotion: Partner with influencers focused on spirituality and travel to reach a wider audience. Showcase your hotel’s Mahakumbh readiness with engaging visuals and videos on platforms like Instagram and YouTube.

Additionally, you can enhance the pilgrimage experience by offering unique value-added services, such as organizing cultural immersion events such as yoga classes, evening attis or spiritual talks by local leaders.

In addition, comfortable facilities such as mobile charging stations, medical kits and local specialties are also provided to meet the needs of different tourists and ensure that they have a comfortable and memorable stay.

2. Upgrade hotel solutions

During times of high demand, operational efficiency and a seamless guest experience are critical. Here are things to pay attention to:

• Cloud-based Property Management System (PMS): Implement a system to easily manage reservations, payments and guest preferences. eZee Absolute is one such tool that simplifies your daily tasks and ensures you focus on your guests during peak hours.
• Contactless check-in: Facilitate faster, safer arrivals with self-service kiosks or app-based check-in.
• Dynamic pricing: Use revenue management tools to adjust pricing based on demand while delivering competitive offers.
• channel manager: A powerful channel manager like eZee Centrix ensures all your hotel rooms are synchronized across multiple online travel agencies (OTAs) and booking platforms, minimizing overbooking and maximizing visibility.
• Booking engine: eZee Reservation is one such tool that helps guests easily book rooms directly through your website, thereby enhancing your online presence and reducing commission fees from third-party OTAs.

How YCS can help your hotel succeed during Mahakumbh 2025

Yanolja Cloud Solutions (YCS)One of the largest technology providers to the hospitality industry, with thousands of satisfied customers around the world, we offer a wide range of innovative solutions designed to help hoteliers thrive in this wave. Our Property Management System (PMS) – eZee Absolute simplifies the management of reservations, guest data and check-ins through a cloud-based platform, allowing you to easily handle growing demands.

Additionally, our powerful booking engine, eZee Reservation, helps you capture direct bookings through your website, minimizing commissions and increasing your profitability. With eZee Mint, our dynamic revenue management system, you can adjust your house prices based on real-time market demand, ensuring you maximize your revenue. Our channel manager, eZee Centrix, allows you to seamlessly manage room availability across multiple online platforms, ensuring maximum visibility and minimizing the risk of overbooking.

With these comprehensive tools, YCS helps hoteliers streamline operations, increase revenue, and deliver exceptional guest experiences during peak seasons like the Mahakumbh Mela.