Guyana on track for increased CPL economic impact

By Jemima Holmes

Since its inception in 2013, the “Biggest Party in Sport” – the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) has proven to be more than just cricket and a great party. From laying a platform to propel Caribbean players, especially Guyanese, to a higher level, to creating a forum for younger players to showcase their skills, the Hero CPL is impactful in many more areas than just the gentleman’s game.

In fact, the CPL has created a formidable platform for host countries to bring in revenue that would otherwise not have been made. With the inclusion of tourists, sold-out venues, staffing, media coverage and exposure, the CPL has been racking up millions, as it relates to the economic impact on Guyana. With three games in four days left to be played in Guyana, the question that is being asked: is whether CPL will surpass its economic impact of past years?
In 2017, CPL had a US$95,122,465 impact on the Caribbean region, as it operated in six host nations. The mammoth figure had been an 84 per cent increase since its 2014 season. When the microscope was focused on Guyana, an economic impact of US$14 million or 2.8 billion Guyana dollars was realised. The figure usually includes organiser spend, visitor spend and media value.
While the numbers seemed surreal in 2017, the following CPL season had greater things in store for the Land of Many Waters. In 2018, CPL for the first time had surpassed $100 million, recording a total of US$127,355,010. However, Guyana had seen a US$25,515,816 economic impact, which was an 80 per cent increase on the figure registered in 2017.
Zeroing in on organiser spend, Hero CPL had an expenditure of US$1.29 million in Guyana, over the seven games played. This figure boasted a significant increase as compared to the organiser spend for 2017 when CPL expended US$978,000.
While the figure seemed to amaze many, it was highly likely that Guyana would see a vast increase, given the fact that the National Stadium, Providence had, for the first time, taken on the hosting of the first two play-off games for 2018. To make the situation better, the country’s local franchise, the Guyana Amazon Warriors had qualified in the top two, paving the way for yet another massive crowd at Providence. In addition, 468 jobs were created and 7654 hotel rooms were booked for the 2018 CPL season.
As it appears, CPL is only getting better and better in Guyana. Not only does the Guyana Amazon Warriors remain one of the most consistent teams in the tournament, but one other factor that always remains consistent is the fan support in Guyana. In fact, this was one of the main reasons why CPL chose Guyana as the play-off hosts in 2018 and owing to the fact that fans turned up in their numbers and supported last year, CPL had no trouble in deciding the hosts of the 2019 double-header play-offs.
Looking at 2019, the Warriors have played their part in ensuring that Guyana’s economic impact soars once again. The Warriors have already won their first three games at home in front of a ‘packed to capacity’ Providence Stadium. To this end, fans are left wanting more of the Warriors’ brilliance, and with the GAW vs Trinbago Knight Riders match on October 4 closely approaching sold-out status (The grass mound and orange stand, are already sold out), there is no doubt that the Warriors have already made their contributions.
When it comes to tourists, Guyana’s two airports, the Cheddi Jagan International and the EF Correia International, are expecting an influx of tourists as they not only come to watch cricket at one of the most electric venues in the Caribbean, but enjoy all the sights and events that Guyana has to offer. With the Tourism Authority working hard, this is one sector that will boom when the teams circle back to Guyana.
As mentioned before, Guyana has already secured the play-off double-header, which will go down at Providence on Sunday, October 6. With an enticing ‘2 for one’ offer, this additional event will also positively influence Guyana’s economic impact once again. After all, with the Trinbago Knight Riders and Amazon Warriors already tipped to settle in the top four once again, fans from all across the Caribbean will be eager to watch the top four clash.
In addition to all the larger sectors that directly influence the economic impact on Guyana, the small businesses are also known to benefit from the tourists and ‘party atmosphere’ that the CPL brings.
While Guyana may not see another 80 per cent increase in CPL’s impact, one thing that is for sure is that the Land of Many Waters will be one of the front runners as compared to Caribbean counterparts.