THE EDITOR, Sir:
THE WORLD Cup of cricket, like most international events, tends to generate great interest. These events are seen as long-term investment with the potential to influence economic growth. Events such as the Olympics, the World Cup cricket and football, usually generate greater than normal interest in the host country before and after the events.
Some of the increase currently experienced in tourist arrivals may be directly as a result of Jamaica being named as a host country. Then there will be the direct and indirect revenues generated for the duration of the tournament. After the events, the potential is also great to start marketing the idea of sport tourism.
Year in, year out, we are endowed with beautiful sunlight. Why can't we combine this with the seven Ps of service marketing, to create a niche in sport tourism?
The flip side to this firstly has to do with the large capital outlay required to establish first- class facilities for these games. Secondly, only a few countries that had invested in these events are able to break even immediately after such events. One distinct factor of countries that have been able to break even is that they had the necessary infrastructure in place.
The concern raised by the Opposition along with other 'watchdog' groups though relevant may be misplaced. I believe greater emphasis should be placed to ensure that there are no cost overruns associated with this project. Secondly, a proper maintenance programme should be established, even before the completion of the stadium.
I am, etc.,
M. CLARKE
mclarke@excite.com
Greater Portmore
