Hospitality sector poised for New Year windfall

As Haryana prepares to welcome 2025, the hospitality sector is poised for a windfall. Hotels, restaurants, clubs and discotheques are ready to capitalise on the festive spirit as, according to estimates, celebrations in Karnal, Gurugram, Faridabad, and Hisar alone could generate a revenue close to Rs 90-100 crore.

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Gurugram gets the lion's share

Projections indicate that Gurugram’s hospitality sector could earn at least Rs 50 crore, according to the National Hotel Association. Major hotels are fully booked, hosting exclusive events ranging from live concerts to themed parties like snow carnivals. Ticket prices range from Rs 3,000 to Rs 25,000 a couple, with unlimited liquor included in many packages. Le Meridien is offering a package for a couple at Rs 29,999 (alcohol included), and another at Rs 34,999 which include the latest recipe.

Karnal hotels sold out

Hotel owners in Karnal peg the figure at Rs 20-25 crore. Event organisers have reported full bookings for New Year’s Eve celebrations. Banquet halls at Jewel’s Hotel and Vivan Hotel have already been booked for private parties.

Faridabad not far behind

Faridabad’s hotels, resto-bars and resorts are also cashing in, offering enticing discounts and themed parties. Catchphrases like “Why settle for ordinary when extraordinary awaits” and “Electrifying DJ beats to keep the dance floor alive all night”, unlimited food and drinks, live performances by celebrities, and affordable night-stay packages are a major draw. Couples are are being charged Rs 3,000 and stags Rs 4,000 for entry. "Faridabad residents are likely to spend between Rs 15 to Rs 20 crore on New Year’s celebrations this year,” said Gurdeep Bakshi, a Faridabad-based restaurant owner.

Rohtak, Panipat join festivities

In Rohtak, inquiries are pouring in as social media campaigns entice couples to exclusive parties, with entry fees ranging from Rs 3,000 to Rs 5,000. In Panipat, hoteliers have arranged singers, anchors and other entertainment options to make the night special. The package ranges from Rs 7,500 to Rs 10,000. Shammi, manager, Royal Vention, Samalkha, said, "We are organising a special programme for around 300 couples. So far, 125 couples have booked, with the majority being from Panipat. Punjabi singer Dilnoor will perform live at the event. The charge is Rs 10,000 a couple which includes drinks and dinner."

Geeta Sarovar Portico Hotel on NH-44 has fixed Rs 8,499 per couple for the gala dinner. The entry fee has been fixed at Rs 7,500 per couple in Hotel Orlov in Ansals. In Hisar, industry sources project a revenue of around Rs 10 crore from grand celebrations.

As the state’s urban centres gear up for extravagant festivities, this New Year’s Eve promises to be a night of booming business and jubilant celebrations for hospitality sector.

Farmers not enthused

Amid the festive buzz, farmer unions have decided to forgo New Year celebrations in solidarity with their leader, Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who has been on hunger strike for over a month at the Khanauri border. “We are not happy as our demands remain unmet by the union government,” said Jagdeep Singh Aulakh, a core committee member of BKU (Sir Chhotu Ram). Sewa Singh Arya, president of BKU (Arya), added, “This is not just about Dallewal. It is an issue for the entire farming community. Unfortunately, the Union government has shown no willingness to address our concerns.”

(With inputs from Sumedha Sharma, Parveen Arora, Bijendra Ahlawat, Deepender Deswal, Mukesh Tandon and Ravinder Saini)