Adrian Frater, News EditorWESTERN BUREAU:
IF PROPERLY exploited, Jamaica's involvement in the International Cricket Council (ICC) Cricket World Cup 2007 could result in a tremendous financial windfall for the local economy, as indications are that significant benefits could flow before, during and after the staging of the 59-day tournament.
"There are tremendous benefits to be gained if we make the right preparations," said Executive Director of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) Robert Bryan as he spoke on Tuesday to key stakeholders in Trelawny the venue for the tournament's opening
ceremony this Tuesday.
Framing his expectations against the backdrop of the additional 20,000-30,000 visitors expected in the island, and the estimated four to five billion world-wide television audience expected to follow the tournament the third largest international sporting event behind the Olympic Games and the FIFA World Cup Mr. Bryan said the World Cup presents a phenomenal opportunity to market 'Brand Jamaica' in a positive light.
LOCAL BUSINESSES TO CASH IN
While noting that Global Cricket Corporation (GCC), a non-Caribbean entity, has bought the rights for the World Cup for an estimated US$550 million from the ICC, which gives them commercial control over the event, Mr. Bryan said there was still tremendous scope for local businesses to cash in on the multibillion-dollar event.
"The benefit to tourism should be tremendous, as in addition to the thousands of additional visitors who will start arriving here as early as March 1, 2007, there are also the tremendous advertising benefits from television coverage," said Mr. Bryan. "Also, the tournament will present a perfect opportunity for local business interests to establish ties with visiting investors, who will
be coming in from places such as the
Far East."
According to Mr. Bryan, the expected financial bonanza will not be limited to the business sector as under a Team Jamaica campaign, which is being developed by the LOC, the transport sector, guest houses, restaurants, craft vendors, entertainers and persons with other specialised skills will be in with a chance to earn from the event.
The Team Jamaica campaign, which falls under a Legacy Strategy, which is aimed at ensuring that the country derives maximum benefit from Government's US$80 million investment in the tournament, is to be spearheaded by JAMPRO and the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB). Its primary function is to unify all Jamaica in a grand bid to project the nation's heritage, culture and other noteworthy features in a positive light.
So as to ensure that they are ready for the big occasion, Mr. Bryan said the Trelawny stakeholders should begin to look at addressing concerns such as street lighting, the upgrading of the Falmouth Market, the erection of street signs, the creation of public sanitary conveniences, beautification programmes and accommodation.
