“Reds” Perreira explores sports tourism possibilities for Guyana

Sports tourism, now attracting much needed attention worldwide, is seemingly the next big initiative for Guyana.

To assist in boosting this rapidly growing sector, 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.”
He cautioned that 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.
Perreira has said that to commence a sports tourism programme successfully in Guyana is not by any means reinventing the wheel. Such programmes have already been done by many Caribbean nations, both small and large. However, for such a programme to be successful, it must have full support and commitment from the national associations, the individuals, the Guyana Private Sector and the Chamber of Commerce. Events might be named after, he said.

‘Reds’ has indicated his availability to bring the relevant stakeholders together, to confirm their interest in order to begin a sports tourism programme. He has also noted that the initiative can be promoted at the World Travel Market in November, and events can be hosted as early as in 2019.

Proposed events:
1) The Clive Lloyd Club 20/20 (Cricket)
Target areas: the Caribbean, UK, USA and Canada
2) Rugby International Magnificent Clubs Sevens
Target areas: the Caribbean, Central & South America, UK, USA and Canada
3) Caribbean Club Basketball Festival
Target areas: the Caribbean, USA, Canada, Central & South America
4) 69-mile Cycling Endurance Race from Blairmont to Georgetown (to honour cycling greats George Cumberbatch and Boogie De Freitas)
Target areas: The Caribbean, Central & South America, USA, Canada, and UK
5) Athletics and Cycling on the Avenue (Main Street, Georgetown)
Target area: The Caribbean
6) Caribbean Squash Singles’ Festival
Target area: the Caribbean, USA, Canada and UK
The following events should also be included; they have been established without an official sports tourism programme.
7) Schoolboys’ Boxing and Youth Tournament
Target area: the Caribbean, USA, Canada, UK and Europe
8) South American 10K
9) The Hockey Club Festival
10) Guyana’s November Motor Racing Meet
11) Ride Guyana Experience — from Corriverton to Parika: a cycling experience crossing three rivers and ending at the mighty Essequibo.