Sports tourism boosts economy – BTMI official

Sports continue to play a vital role in the tourism industry, according to Sports Manager at the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc (BTMI) Kamal Springer.

Speaking to pupils at Eagle Hall Primary School as part of their Male Week initiative, Springer highlighted the significant economic impact of sports tourism on the island.

Addressing the theme, Today’s Boys, Tomorrow’s Tourism Stars, Springer encouraged students to consider careers in the local tourism industry, emphasising the economic benefits where sports and tourism intersect.

He cited the ICC T20 Cricket World Cup matches at Kensington Oval as a prime example of how sporting events can generate substantial returns for citizens.

“Around 30 000 people have travelled to Barbados during the course of this month to have an experience of enjoying cricket in Barbados,” Springer noted.

Elaborating on the widespread economic impact, he added: “Everyone that works in hotels, restaurants, taxi stands, all over the economy, they need to make sure that they get business from these visitors, so having people come in to use those resources helps give people jobs and helps the economy of Barbados.”

Springer also underscored the importance of sporting icons in promoting Barbados as a destination, highlighting West Indies and Barbados opening batsman, Desmond Haynes.

“[He] is famous across the world; when we take Desmond Haynes to an event in the United Kingdom, Latin America, and other parts of the world, people recognise him and they want to find out more about him and why they should come to Barbados,” he explained.

The BTMI executive encouraged pupils with sporting aspirations to pursue them, noting that athletes have historically played a crucial role in the country’s tourism promotion efforts.

“If we use sport correctly, we are able to get a lot of people coming in to enjoy the attractions we have in Barbados,” he said. (SB)