Cricket fever is proving to be a boon for the Caribbean’s tourism industry, with flights and hotels reportedly nearly full on some of the islands hosting the upcoming matches.
Tourism officials in Antigua and Barbuda and Barbados are excited about the benefits their economies will see in the coming months from the hosting of the ICC Cricket World Cup, the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) and the tour of England.
Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Board chief executive officer Colin James said the influx of tourists is set to set new records for the country’s tourism sector.
“We have over 4,000 people coming. Australia, England, Scotland – countries with big fan bases – are coming. And then we have Fair Play Women’s Cricket right after that. Then we have the CPL and Carnival right after that. And then England tour the West Indies again in November, but England don’t tour the West Indies unless they play in Antigua,” he said.
“So this is going to be a phenomenal year. The reason I’m excited and enthusiastic is because a lot of the hard work that the team has put in is now starting to pay off and it’s going to set the pace and the trend going forward.”
Barbados Tourism Board CEO Andrea Franklin said the domestic and international support for cricket at the historic Kensington Oval has resonated strongly and contributed to the boost in economic activity the island is experiencing.
“Barbados is getting ready to welcome the world to the ICC Cricket T20 Men’s Tournament. The first match in Barbados is actually in a few days on June 2nd. We will also host nine matches and then the final will be on June 29th. I’ve heard that so far tickets for the final are pretty much sold out,” she said.
Even those unlucky enough not to get tickets can still attend this event.
“It’s definitely something to come and experience on the island. [Barbados]”There will be a lot of fan zones and fan areas. The whole island becomes one big party place. We have screens set up in different locations. So even if you can’t go into the actual stadium and watch the game, there will be activity all over the island for the duration of all the matches that are held in this destination.”
Franklin added that the Bajans are ready to welcome the world and will treat visitors with the hospitality the island is known for.
