“Record-breaking” arrivals to reach 36,000 for September

…as Cricket Carnival sweeps massive attention

An estimated 36,000 visitors will be touching down at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) for the month of September – coming off the high of Cricket Carnival season this year that has recorded mass success.
The Guyana Cricket Carnival has once again captivated the hearts of many – the airport, serving as the main gateway to Guyana, has witnessed an impressive surge in passenger numbers.
There was a remarkable 12 per cent increase in arrivals for the first 20 days of September compared to the same period last year.
Chief Executive Officer of the CJIA, Ramesh Ghir disclosed, “This month alone, it is estimated that approximately 36,000 passengers will touch down at the airport, surpassing the previous record-breaking arrivals in 2022.”
He said this tremendous influx of visitors is a testament to the overwhelming success of Cricket Carnival, a remarkable event conceptualised by President Mohamed Irfaan Ali.
“Thanks to the visionary leadership of President Ali, the Cricket Carnival has become a beacon of excitement, drawing visitors from far and wide to experience the exhilarating atmosphere and festivities that Guyana has to offer. The allure of this grand celebration has undoubtedly left a profound impact on those who have had the privilege of being a part of it.”
With continuous growth of Cricket Carnival, it is clear that Guyana has firmly established itself as a premier destination for cricket enthusiasts and festival-goers alike. The success of this event not only showcases the rich cultural heritage of Guyana but also highlights the warmth and hospitality of its people.
This is the second edition of Cricket Carnival in Guyana and the action-packed calendar has created a boom in the Tourism and Sport sectors.
The Cricket Carnival 2023 craze has been so demanding that hotel rooms have gone like ‘hot cakes’, as tourists, members of the diaspora, sport enthusiasts and other officials lock down their accommodations to witness the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League and the series of concerts and events on the Cricket Carnival calendar.
In fact, President Irfaan Ali recently disclosed, “So, the arrival has been enormous. There is consistent growth, you know; we have different challenges with this…That is why these hotels that we’re building are so important. Not we, the private sector now, and we have to ensure that we expedite the building of these rooms.”
The fun continued on Saturday evening with the super concert featuring internationally renowned artistes Kes that Band, Sean Paul, Machel Montano and Shenseea among others. Today, the much-anticipated finals between Guyana Amazon Warriors and the Trinbago Knight Riders will be played at the National Stadium at Providence, where Guyana is seeking to grab its first Caribbean Premier League title.
Other events that recorded successes were the Regional Food Festival, Welcome Home to Pan on the Avenue, Wet at the National Stadium, and the President’s Cup at Rising Sun Turf Club.
Cricket Carnival will conclude on Monday with the Road Parade featuring several costume bands.