The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

LOCAL organisers of the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) inaugural World Relays set for next month estimate that 3,500 to just over 5,000 room nights will be generated from just over 1,000 confirmed athletes and coaches and delegates alone.

Lionel Haven, managing director of the local organising committee (LOC) told Tribune Business that those estimates did not include spectators expected to fly in for the major two-day sporting event which will give a major boost to the country’s sports tourism sector and generate significant exposure for the country. “Confirmation of registration has concluded and we have 50 countries that have confirmed their participation in the event. Based on the numbers, they would have provided we are looking at just over 1,000 persons for the athletes and coaches of the teams,” said Mr Haven.

“Beyond that, the IAAF is going to bring in a delegation to observe the event and they are also hosting a press commission. They have also invited another large number of media persons to attend those meetings which is being held in conjunction with the relays to have a large number of international media personnel. There are service providers related to the event including host broadcasters. We are looking at a fairly large number of persons coming in for the event,” said Mr Haven.

“Based on some of the estimates I have seen, that number could be 3,500 to just over 5,000 room nights. It’s only a two-day event but because of the preparations and the teams arriving at least a day or two in advance we are looking at a fairly large number. That does not include the ancillary people, those numbers are, the athletes participating, the IAAF delegation and press commission. There are service providers who will be impacting those numbers and we basically haven’t touched the number of spectators that will be coming in.”

Mr Haven said that the LOC had already gotten indication from some teams that they intended to travel to The Bahamas a week prior to the event set for May 25-26.