GEORGETOWN, Guyana, CMC—A leading tourism official here has labeled the Caribbean Premier League a “game changer” for the country’s sector, saying the showpiece has resulted in record arrivals over the last two years.
Speaking after CPL announced its yearly economic impact numbers, Kamrul Baksh, Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority, said hosting the tournament finals had resulted in a huge boost for tourism and stressed that Guyana was now focussed on building out its sports tourism thrust.
In a CPL statement, he said, “The Caribbean Premier League has been a game-changer for Guyana’s tourism industry.”
“More specifically, since becoming the host nation of the CPL finals in 2022, Guyana’s visitor arrivals have significantly increased by 131 percent from 2022 to 2023. This is the highest number of visitors for September on record.
“In just two years, the rush of cricket fans and travelers from around the world has filled our hotels and restaurants and provided opportunities for local businesses to thrive.”
He continued: “The CPL has brought exciting matches and displayed Guyana’s rich culture and natural beauty worldwide, reinforcing our status as a leading tourism destination.
“We aim to capitalize on this success, leveraging sports tourism to drive steady economic development.”
The CPL announced a total economic impact of US$101 683 135 for Guyana during last year’s tournament when the country hosted six group stage games, the playoffs, and the final.
Host franchise Guyana Amazon Warriors crushed multiple-time champions Trinbago Knight Riders in the final to claim their first-ever title.
According to the study compiled by the research organization YouGov Sport, “a large part” of the economic impact value was derived from visitor spending in the country during the tournament.
The CPL statement said the tournament accounted for a record 23,217 hotel room nights.
“The conclusion of the 2023 tournament was certainly dramatic, as all eyes were on Guyana to see the Amazon Warriors claim their first CPL title,” said CPL chief executive Pete Russell.
“This was a fantastic moment for the country, and it is gratifying to have seen both the social and economic impact the tournament had in Guyana”
CPL said the critical economic drivers considered in the impact study were organizer spending, visitor spending, and media value.
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