The New Nation - Internet Edition

Mohammad Shahidul Islam

Tourism, that is to say hospitality industry has had new shape since the popularity of cricket starts. Its fashion is very lavish and star-studded. Notwithstanding, cricket has presently emerged as an important mechanism to develop tourism. Instance can be given for West Indies and India. West Indies is the archetype for tourism development through cricket.

They have been marketing tourism through cricket since first world cup in 1975. India, Australia, South Africa, Srilanka, Sharja etc are well-announced cricket venues which have contributed largely to tourism development in the respective destination.

Sports tourists now hugely choose these destinations for recreation and entertainment. Cricket is next to Soccer in popularity all over the world. But in Bangladesh the norm has been changed.

Now we are playing in the world cup cricket and respected as the giant killer in the cricket arena. Bangladesh, though is not well planned for tourism development, could be positively associated with cricket in contributing to the tourism development.

Cricket and tourism may go paired optimistically in Bangladesh. We do not hesitate to clinch world championship in near future. Our dream for developed tourism is not also very far away. We have diversities in natural resources. Except desert we are proud of possessing all natural resources. We never remain backer than any other countries in the world from at least potential tourism point of view. Cricket could be very prospective to enliven our tourism.

The commentators and media partners in telecasting cricket matches always play significant roles in lifting a country image to the world. Say, where the venue is, how the place is important, what the players do, what they shop, where they go; every thing catches up romantic hearts of viewers and they feel persuaded to visit the place right up.

They put highlights on the country and the venue. Dhaka city is now more or less popular for cricket. Our Cox's Bazaar could be the paradise for international cricket venue. Cricket can easily get Cox's Bazaar more renowned across the world. We can easily think of Cox's Bazaar for establishing a cricket venue. People round the world must visit Cox's Bazaar to support their countries. In the time of off-day in between matches they would be busy in tourism.

Cricket in Bangladesh or Bangladeshi cricket is becoming passion for youth and world cricket lovers. The zeal and passionate emotion with which the game is played, followed and analyzed is unique anywhere else in the world. Now Cricket is to Bangladesh as Soccer is to Brazil.

Sports are always significant as harbinger of friendship and peace. We can be very optimistic to plan tourism development through cricket. From present trend we can anticipate; Bangladeshi cricket calendar would never be empty and there would be either one series or another just round the corner. While cricket teams move along from one part of the country to another, devoted followers of the game and over-enthusiastic supporters of the teams also must move along. Thousands of international tourists will pour in every year from different parts of the world to support the team while they take on Bangladesh and other in Bangladesh. It would be also common to find out all the hotels in the host city will run full for a couple of days to a few days before and after the rubber.

Centering cricket, hotels and motels would go to be established. The reservation rates would be loudening during the peak cricket season or at the time of a tour by a foreign team. Though tourists will come with the primary objective to see a game of quality cricket and enjoy the carnival like atmosphere and attractions in Bangladesh. They can visit around the country within a couple days, as Bangladesh is small geographically. Cricket venues like Chittagong, Dhaka, Bogura, Naryanganj, Sylhet, Rajshahi, Comilla and Cox's Bazaar (Proposed and islands like Kotobdia, Moheshkhali or some other banks of rivers can be also proposed and thought) cannot be only famous for wonderful cricket infrastructure but also as some of the finest tourist destinations.

Since the itinerary would be prepared early enough, tourists who will plan to visit Bangladesh with the cricket team will have enough time to make the necessary hotel bookings in those particular fixtures. Last minute reservation in these cities on the days must be exciting!