ICC Champions Trophy delivers massive financial boost to Sri Lanka

The ICC Champions Trophy is delivering a massive financial boost to the Sri Lankan economy, as well as providing a free international promotional campaign for tourists worth several millions of dollars.

The International Cricket Council has estimated that that the direct and indirect benefits associated with staging the tournament in the Sri Lankan capital, will pump a staggering $US25 million (Sri Lankan rupees 2.42 billion) into the local economy.

At the same time, the ICC's broadcaster has been working with Sri Lankan Tourism to develop the highly successful "Sri Lankan Postcards" advertising spots. These are inserted at regular intervals during every telecast that goes out to more than 800 million cricket fans around the world.

The financial boost to the local economy is generated from the hundreds of players, officials, sponsors, media and spectators that have flooded into Sri Lanka as the tournament builds to its climax on 29 September.

ICC Chief Executive, Malcolm Speed, said that the presence of the world's best 12 cricket teams is providing a massive boost to the local economy.

"The teams, plus officials, TV crews and sponsors are responsible for more than 10,000 nights in accommodation as well as a spending an average of $US50 dollars a day on food and entertainment," said Mr Speed.

Add in the 270 media group and spectators who have flown from around the world to watch the tournament and it adds up to a massive boost in tourism and money spent in the local economy.

The ICC's Postcards initiative is also delivering unprecedented exposure for Sri Lanka as a tourist destination.

"International cricket attracts a massive following around the world and the ICC Champions Trophy is one of the most prestigious tournaments on the cricketing calendar. Every telecast of every game in this tournament has a potential viewing audience of 800 million people in countries including India, Australia, England and South Africa," said Mr. Speed. "The ICC recognized that this exposure was a terrific opportunity to help promote Sri Lanka as a tourist destination around the world and by working with Sri Lankan Tourism we have been able to develop promotional spots featuring the beauty and attractiveness of Sri Lanka."

These are being aired throughout the tournament and would have cost several millions of dollars if they had to be purchased at commercial rates.

Hemaka Amarasuriya, Chairman of the Interim Committee of the Board of Control for Cricket in Sri Lanka (BCCSL), said that the Champions Trophy is playing an important role in placing Sri Lanka firmly on the map with regard to tourism and investment, in today's globally competitive environment.

"The Champions Trophy has filled up almost all the 5-star hotel rooms in Colombo during the month of September. Many of these spectators, officials and players will be travelling to different parts of the country to enjoy Sri Lanka's many attractions," said Mr. Amarasuriya. "The massive amount of free media exposure gained from having more than a hundred foreign journalists in our country for a month, is invaluable. The BCCSL is very grateful to the ICC for giving Sri Lanka this wonderful opportunity."

Mr. Speed said that the success of the tournament so far was a result of the strong relationship between the ICC and BCCSL.

"To deliver a major tournament of this kind requires a lot of hard work and effort. Over recent months we've seen ICC and BCCSL staff working very well together to make sure that Sri Lanka and Sri Lankan cricket get the benefits. So far, this has worked very well, and with the event proceeding smoothly we are now on target for Sri Lanka to deliver the most successful ICC Championship in the event's history."

ICC Media contact:

Mark Harrison
ICC Communications Manager
Sri Lanka cell: 077 730337