Caribbean Hoping for Big World Cup Windfall

West Indies governments have spent an estimated $400 million on hosting the cricket World Cup which they hope will enchant visitors with the attractions of their sun-soaked islands.

Jamaica, Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago are among the nine host nations while Guyana also becomes the first South American country to stage World Cup matches.

Hallowed cricket grounds have been reinvented, new stadiums built, and feverish venue preparations have included the repaving of roads and airport upgrades. Tourist attractions and whole towns have been spruced up for the extravaganza, in a cricket-mad region where the game is followed like a religion.

An estimated 100,000 fans will be visiting the Caribbean to see the tournament, which starts with an opening ceremony in Jamaica on March 11 and concludes with the final in Barbados on April 28.

Some studies suggest that $250 million could flow into the host countries from ticket sales, merchandising, television rights and sponsorship. Visitor spending on accommodation, transport, entertainment, food, drinks and souvenirs could also come in at around $250 million.

But these are only projections and there are concerns about possible shortfalls given that the sums that have been invested would represent a gamble even for large and wealthy nations.

In Jamaica last year, for example, Finance Minister Omar Davies said his government expected to earn only $9 million from ticket sales after spending $105 million on the event.