Barbados, due to Cricket world Cup 2007, saw an exceptional rise in tourist inflow and tourists from world over flock to the island to be a part of the event.
In the beginning of 2007, it was expected that earning from the tourism industry of Barbados would reach $2 Billion. Owing to increased expenses in the first half of 2007 and comparatively hot summers, Barbados was all set to touch a record high earning from this industry till the end of 2007, as reported by NationNews.
According to a the statement by Tourism Minister of Barbados, Noel Lynch, expenses increased significantly in the beginning of 2007 and Cricket World Cup (CWC) played a prominent role in attracting tourists from different parts of the world. In the event, around 42,575 tourists arrived and approx $234 Million were spent, reported NationNews. The island marked a place for itself in the history by successfully hosting the final match of CWC.
Undoubtedly, tourism is the biggest source of foreign currency and employment for Barbados and the island’s economy depends upon it.
CWC 2007 saw a healthy tourist influx from the US, Canada, and the UK together with other countries of the world. There was also a significant increase in the number of tourists coming from non-traditional areas like India, Pakistan, Australia and South Africa.
The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) conducted a survey which revealed astonishing facts that expenses of long stay visitors reached to US$ 648,889 in the first half of 2007. The survey also revealed that an average cricket fan spent around US$ 321 and contributed significantly in the total income of the island through tourism. Moreover, cricket fans from Britain spent the highest amount and were top on the list among all visitors.
Stuart Layne, President of the Barbados Tourism Authority, said, “Several factors have contributed to this but among the critical ones are higher average spending from visitors and better accommodation product, we have been also able to presell the slow periods and attract more business”, reported NationNews.
As per a Research Analyst at RNCOS, “Promotion of the tourism industry can revive the dwindling economy of the island of Barbados. Continuous growth in the tourism industry of the country would not only benefit the economic status of the country but also take its cultural and social environment to the world.”
Related Market Research Reports:
Asian Medical Tourism Analysis (2008-2012)
South African Tourism Sector Analysis
Indian Tourism Industry Forecast (2007-2011)
