CWC A success by any Measure

The first round of the ICC Cricket World Cup ends this week under a cloud. While the world, including many a cricket fan, player and official, is occupied with the apparent murder of Pakistani coach Bob Woolmer, in Saint Lucia the concerns about the relatively low-keyed attendance at the five matches staged thus far and what it means for the island. This preoccupation with profit has plagued the event from the outset and may be the main cause of the low turnout at the matches. In the midst of conjecture as to who or what is to blame for the low turnout one fact stands out – it is up to Saint Lucians to decide whether the event is a success.
While ICC officials were clear in their estimation of the turnout for the event, the hype surrounding it caused people to expect more from the event. It seems however, that when everyone expected to make a killing and doubled or tripled their prices, they only killed the event. The talk from tourists and tourism officials is that steep hotel room rates prevented many sports fans from attending the CWC. The cost of inter-regional travel further constrained fans from travelling to the various islands to view matches. Government officials have in that respect not played their part in ensuring the right environment for the success of the event.
Government has attempted to make up by purchasing 10,000 tickets. The distribution of the tickets however has only caused further problems. Reports of restrictions and the high price of food and beverage at the BCG prevented many from using the free tickets.
Minister of Tourism Allen Chastanet has stated that in his estimation, it is too early to tell whether the event is a success. The focus must be shifted from the immediate profit to the long-term gains and the country must maximise the unparalleled opportunity presented. Government officials can still maximise on the hundreds of media representatives, cricket officials and fans here to sell the island as a tourist and sporting destination.

(M.F.)