Jamaica’s renewed participation in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) T20 cricket tournament is expected to significantly bolster sports tourism and stimulate the national economy, according to Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett.
Speaking at a recent press briefing at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in New Kingston, Bartlett described the development as a major milestone for cricket in Jamaica and the wider Caribbean. He emphasized that cricket’s impact extends far beyond the playing field.
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“Cricket is not just a sport for us… it’s a part of the economy. It drives jobs, it enables the development of varying skills, and in the process, it brings large numbers of visitors to Jamaica to experience our assets,” Bartlett said.
Hosting CPL matches, he added, will promote regional mobility and attract international audiences, while creating increased activity within the tourism sector. “It will expand our reach into Southeast Asia, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh… and all the cricketing countries of the world,” Bartlett noted.
The minister highlighted the league’s potential to deepen engagement with Jamaica’s traditional tourism markets, particularly those with strong Diaspora ties and a keen interest in cricket, including the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
Jamaica, Bartlett said, is well-positioned to capitalize on sports tourism, thanks to strategic investments in infrastructure and Kingston’s emergence as a premier destination. The CPL’s return, he noted, will also enhance regional connectivity, as the movement of players, officials, and spectators drives travel throughout the Caribbean.
“We are now poised for sports tourism to truly take off,” the minister declared, underscoring the broader cultural experience surrounding cricket. “Jamaica has three powerful words that describe us, food, music, and love… and these three are at the heart of what cricket is all about.”
CPL Chief Executive Officer Pete Russell highlighted the league’s global growth, noting a surge in viewership from 320 million to 1.1 billion last year. Russell added that the league injects substantial resources into regional economies, estimating a contribution of approximately $200 million across the Caribbean in the previous year.
Cricket West Indies (CWI) CEO Chris Dehring emphasized that sports tourism continues to expand worldwide and represents a critical segment of both the sports and tourism industries. “Sports tourism is the fastest-growing segment of the sports industry… and it is also the fastest-growing segment of the tourism industry,” he said.
Bartlett concluded by highlighting the partnership’s dual benefits for sport and economic activity. “We partner to strengthen not only a great game, but an economy that flows from it… and more importantly, to bring people together in joy and happiness,” he said.
The CPL’s return to Jamaica is expected to enhance the island’s international profile, generate revenue, and create employment opportunities, reinforcing the synergy between sport and tourism as a catalyst for national development.
