The concept of sports tourism and the impact it could have on our country’s economy is now being discussed on a wider scale. So far, Guyana has not put the systems in place to capitalise on this niche market, like some other sister Caricom countries; and it is certainly time that the various stakeholders give some serious attention towards doing so.
Analysts have pointed to the fact that sports tourism is a huge and growing industry, with important economic implications for the sport, the event, and the impact of travel and tourism-related benefits on host destinations. Many believe that sports tourism could become a viable and sustainable component of Guyana’s overall tourism product, and could make a tangible contribution to national development.
Veteran cricket commentator and sports consultant Joseph ‘Reds’ Perreira has taken the initiative to compile a list of sports tourism projects in which the tourism sector can invest. Speaking from decades of experience in the field of sports, Perreira posited: “I feel it’s time that the Guyana tourism officials implement a sports tourism programme that would allow Guyana to join the Caribbean nations and the rest of the world in benefiting from this expanding niche market.”
According to Perreira, the success of a sports tourism programme would need the support of a department strictly dedicated to sports tourism, even though situated within the Ministry of Tourism. This department can work alongside other national sports associations, and receive support from organisations with a mandate to promote Guyana through tourism, such as the Guyana Tourism Authority, travel companies, embassies, high commissions, and the national press etc
A primary function of a sporting event is to provide the host community with an opportunity to secure high prominence in the tourism marketplace. Therefore, 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.
The Caribbean Premier League (CPL) games here are a good example of the tremendous benefits that could be derived from a sporting event of that magnitude. Guyana, through the CPL, has benefited significantly from sports tourism 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.
The League attracts some of the best international cricketers from across the globe, which has set the stage for a plethora of thrilling T20 cricket for Caribbean fans and those in the Diaspora.
Each year, the National Stadium at Providence, which is the home ground of the Guyana Amazon Warriors, attracts sold-out crowds. With tournaments such as these, it is not only the sold-out stadiums that warrant the prestige, but it is a chance to showcase one’s country on the global market, since television viewership would usually span each continent.
Guyana must therefore capitalise on the economic successes of CPL, and work towards further developing sports tourism in general. The tournament has provided stakeholders here with a perfect opportunity to create a sustained sports tourism initiative.
However, for Guyana to fully benefit, there are a number of challenges which must be addressed urgently. These include ensuring adequate facilities are in place to host high-level games, and investing in training of personnel to ensure that we have the necessary human resources to organise and manage the activities, among other things.
As we had stated before, Caribbean countries such as Jamaica, Barbados and Grenada are regarded as good models of sports tourism. For these countries, sports tourism is a huge market, but they have made the bold decision to pump the necessary investments into critical areas. Guyana could also do the same. In the words of veteran broadcaster Joseph “Reds” Perreira, “Guyana has tremendous possibilities for sports tourism”. CPL and the Amazon Warriors have provided a perfect start.
