CPL: a much-needed boost to Guyana’s tourism sector

 

As Guyana hosts its leg of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) matches, the level of excitement that is currently building is no surprise, as it has now become a norm that, during this time, there is a renewed interest in the game from everyone here. Now in its fifth year, CPL is truly established as one of the leading T20 leagues in the world, and compares favourably with the likes of the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the Big Bash League (BBL).

In addition to the high level of entertainment provided for families, many stakeholders in the Caribbean — including governments and private sector bodies — are well aware of the huge potential the tournament has in terms of its massive contribution to host countries’ economies and the region as a whole.

Over the past two months, several businesses have been complaining of poor sales, and the general consensus was that much more needs to be done to revive the economy and create opportunities for citizens.

We believe that hosting of the CPL games here is the kind of intervention that would give a much-needed boost to the economy. For example, already, several hotels in Georgetown, both large and small, have reported massive increase in bookings, and some are even booked to capacity. The fans of the various teams have descended on Guyana in large numbers to root for their teams. Not only would they attend the matches, but they would also use the opportunity to experience Guyana’s major tourist attractions. Hence the benefits would have a trickle-down effect to other related sectors, such as transport, retail, services etc.

In essence, the CPL games here are a good example of the tremendous benefits that could be derived from a sporting event of such magnitude. Guyana, through the CPL, has benefited significantly from hosting the event since the inception of the tournament. The games’ economic impact locally has been both direct and indirect.

According to CPL, assessment reports compiled showed that the economy received close to US$17 million last season. The net sum was calculated by looking at the influx of tourists to the country, hotel bookings, vending during the games, and the overall spending of persons during this period. With the Guyana Amazon Warriors’ success at CPL, Guyana has, over the past four years, benefited from some US$80M from the tournament.

Now that the CPL tournament has proven to have many trickle-down effects, the whole concept of sports tourism is beginning to gain popularity in the region. The introduction of sports tourism as a major industry here is an excellent idea; and it would certainly be in the nation’s interest if the major players involved work seriously towards designing and implementing the necessary programmes and policies that would see Guyana taking advantage of the many opportunities available in the sector.

Analysts have pointed to the fact that sports tourism is a huge and growing industry, with important economic implications for both the sport, the event, and the impact of travel and tourism-related benefits on host destinations.

Additionally, each year, the National Stadium at Providence, which is the home ground of the Guyana Amazon Warriors, attract sold out crowds. However, with tournaments such as this, it is not only the sold-out stadiums that warrant the prestige, but there is a chance to showcase one’s country on the global market, since television viewership would usually span every continent.

CPL has indeed been a success story, not only as it relates to the development of cricket in Guyana and the region, but for the potential for growth and the ability to create the kind of opportunities that would seek to improve the lives of citizens. Guyana must therefore capitalise on the economic successes of CPL, and work towards further developing sports tourism in general.