South Asian Business news and information

There are just 12 days left before World Cup Cricket 2007. Many people from around the world are going to the West Indies to enjoy the matches. This tournament will surely provide a boost to the tourism sector of West Indies. The host nations are spending a fortune to host the event. This is the biggest sporting event ever taking place in the Caribbean.

Reuters reported:

Jamaica, Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago are among the nine host nations while Guyana also becomes the first South American country to stage World Cup matches.

Hallowed cricket grounds have been reinvented, new stadiums built, and feverish venue preparations have included the repaving of roads and airport upgrades.

Tourist attractions and whole towns have been spruced up for the extravaganza, in a cricket-mad region where the game is followed like a religion.

An estimated 100,000 fans will be visiting the Caribbean to see the tournament, which starts with an opening ceremony in Jamaica on March 11 and concludes with the final in Barbardos on April 28.

Some studies suggest that $250 million could flow into the host countries from ticket sales, merchandising, television rights and sponsorship.

Visitor spending on accommodation, transport, entertainment, food, drinks and souvenirs could also come in at around $250 million.

I am sure that the long term impact of World Cup Cricket 2007 will be extremely positive for the Caribbean. Well, the Caribbean countries have to realize one matter. Most of the cricket fans in the world are in South Asia. For people in South Asian countries, West Indies is a very expensive destination. The same goes for Australia and New Zealand too. Even, visa is a problem for some South Asian countries. Secondly, people here do not know much about the West Indies. Hopefully, this world cup will change this matter.