Special facilities for UAE cricket fans to watch final

Dubai: Special arrangements are being made for cricket fans from the UAE who would like to watch the final, semifinal and the super eight matches of the World Cup in the West Indies.

Speaking to Gulf News, Stuart Layne, President and CEO of the Barbados Tourism Authority (BTA) said: "We have worked out various options for fans depending on the matches they would like to watch."

Layne arrived here with former West Indies fast bowler Joel Garner for discussions with MMI Travel, who have been authorised by BTA to make arrangements for fans travelling to the West Indies.

"From April 10 till the end of the World Cup, one can fly directly from Mumbai to Bridgetown in Barbados, which is the venue for some of the super eight matches and the final," said Layne.

Flying options

"Cricket fans from UAE must fly to Mumbai and take a direct Air India flight to Bridgetown. This flight will only make a stop between Mumbai and Bridgetown and the passengers need not even have to get off the plane till they reach Bridgetown. There are also options to fly via Europe," revealed Layne.

"Once you reach Bridgetown the fans can sail to the various islands which are hosting the matches. All these are possible only if one opts for the Carnival Destiny programme. There are three packages for 20 days, 12 days and eight days for the fans to select," he said.

Layne also provided details about travel by sea to the various islands.

"To sail from one island to the other it takes four or five hours. If you opt for the Carnival Destiny you will be sailing during your sleeping hours and when you wake up you will reach the port of the venue," he said.

"The ship will have a prayer room, Indian chefs and Bollywood entertainment," said Layne.

When asked about the news regarding shortage of accommodation in the West Indies, Layne said: "During the Barbados matches fans can stay in the 11 vessels or 700 yachts which have been allowed by the government of Barbados."

Regarding the enthusiasm of the people for the event, Layne said: "It is so high that this World Cup will turn out be a memorable one. It will give a big boost to tourism. Over 30,000 people will be coming to the island for the World Cup during the two- week period in addition to our regular visitors.

"This World Cup will be watched by over two billion people around the world. We will build awareness of our brand of tourism through the World Cup."