Cricket West Indies (CWI) CEO Chris Dehring has issued a compelling appeal to Caribbean tourism stakeholders, urging them to share the responsibility for the sustainability of West Indies cricket. Speaking at the State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) held in Barbados from September 30 to October 3, Dehring highlighted the significant financial contributions CWI has made to the tourism sector over the past 15 years, including $82.5 million on airlift and $120 million on hotel accommodations. Despite these investments, sponsorship support from airlines and hotels has been minimal, creating an unsustainable imbalance. Dehring emphasized that without greater collaboration and investment from tourism beneficiaries, the future of West Indies cricket remains at risk. He praised Sandals Resorts International as a rare example of meaningful support, while calling on other regional players to follow suit. The CEO’s remarks underscored the critical intersection between sports and tourism, stressing that shared investment is essential for the long-term health of the sport and the Caribbean brand.
CWI CEO Calls for Increased Support for West Indies Cricket from Regional Tourism Partners
