Varanasi tourism hopes to capitalise on Delhi Commonwealth Games

Tourism and hospitality sectors in Varanasi are hoping to capitalise October 2010 Commonwealth Games 2010 in New Delhi.

Tourists and devotees throng the holy city, every year to enjoy its pilgrimage spots and historical monuments.

Laudera Nader, a travel agent, said advance bookings all in and he hopes to generate good business during the Games.

"The Commonwealth Games is starting from October 13, So we are expecting an increase. In fact, from now only, we have started receiving bookings for the best beds to best cars, because obviously when the clients come to Delhi to watch the Commonwealth Games, they will visit Varanasi because it's a part of the heritage city. They will visit Varanasi, Agra, Jaipur and Delhi, So, we are expecting an increase," said Nader.

Jayant Pathak, Operations Manager with the city's Siddarth Hotel, said an increase of 20 to 30 percent over normal bookings could be expected.