Thinking outside the box: sport tourism

Carole Beckford, Contributor

Sport Tourism and its ability to attract visitors to the island should not be limited to traditional events, like golf, tennis, polo or even beach volleyball. It can instead look at the specific features of Jamaica and create events which can be 'culturally inspired'.

We can also take traditional competitions like a triathlon and tweak it so the country can benefit from visitors and residents getting the opportunity to see more of Jamaica, while enjoying the offerings of cuisine and various entertainment packages.

Jake's Treasure Beach recently completed its annual triathlon, a great example of a sport tourism product which can attract a new type of tourist, while the island is able to benefit tremendously from media exposure at the same time.

The very exciting 500-metre swim, 25-kilometre bike ride and the seven-kilometre run along Jamaica's south coast is a physical challenge for competitors. For spectators, it is an opportunity to watch and cheer, while enjoying the tropical weather in Jamaica, even if it rains. Good job, Jake's, and I look forward to an annual event. Let's get a major sports network on board to broadcast this so we can have bigger and better events.

JAMAICAN SUPERSTARS

Years ago, Jamaica was host of the Snapple Superstars where American superstars participated in swimming, weightlifting, kayaking, golf, basketball shoot-out, cycling, half-mile run and a 100-metre dash. Jamaica is not short on stars and I am sure we could have our own 'superstars' event.

Imagine for a moment Asafa Powell, Ricardo Gardener, Elaine Davis, Winston Griffiths, Oberon Pitterson, Brigitte Foster Hylton, Kali McCarthy, Simone Forbes, Paul Lalor and more competing in such an event. Outside of the media frenzy it would create, it would be a 'made-for-TV event'.

It is also an additional opportunity for spectators and fans to get to see another side of some of their favourite people, while it gives the superstar an opportunity to relate to their peers in other sporting areas. Even in the preparation/training for the challenging event, there would be an opportunity for interaction.

I challenge the western hotels association to reorganise this event, under the Jamaican banner, for next April/May, a full year to plan, so we can host this fabulous event. I know it can be a success. If this comes on the calendar every two years, then we have something to look forward to. We could throw in one international sport star as a special guest to create international appeal.

The US model featured Jason Sehorn (New York Giants), Tim Raines (New York Yankees), Erik Williams (Dallas Cowboys) and Michael Westbrook (Washington Redskins). It was aired on ABC and a number of international journalists came.

Jamaica has the goods; look at the diversity. Let's deliver.

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