West Indies World Cup Cricket: hallmark events as catalysts for community tourism development

Abstract

Abstract This paper discusses the effect of the World Cup Cricket Tour on communities and tourism. The research project was conducted between March and August, 2005 in Barbados, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago. The research question addressed in each country was: how can communities and private sector entrepreneurs take advantage of World Cup Cricket 2007 to develop or enhance community tourism ventures that will attract visitors both during and after the event? Research methods consisted of individual interviews and focus groups with 82 administrators of World Cup Cricket, tour/attraction operators, community development NGOs, community tourism specialists, small business associations, accommodations representatives, retail enterprises. This report describes findings in terms of (1) potential opportunities for community tourism/micro-enterprise development (including crafts, agro/culinary, tours/special destinations, festivals/special events, local sports, restaurants, transportation and lodging), (2) equity issues, (3) legacy issues, (4) sector coordination, (5) standards, (6) service and safety, (7) information needs, (8) environmental issues, and (9) evaluation. Conclusions stress that investments in community tourism that are stimulated by World Cup Cricket need to be viewed as part of a longer-term strategy to develop the tourism industry and that this will help stimulate national development.