The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 has proved to be the biggest cricket event ever in terms of economics, which contributed Rs 11,637 crore to the Indian economy. The World Cup 2023 was played in ten cities of India – Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Dharamshala, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai and Pune from October 5 to November 19 last year. According to an ICC report, 12.5 million spectators attended the ICC Cricket World Cup, due to which the host cities received revenue of $ 861.4 million through tourism, accommodation, travel, transport and food etc.
75% of the audience enjoyed it for the first time
Nearly 75 per cent of the visitors at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 attended matches for the first time while nearly 55 per cent of the foreign visitors had visited India earlier but 19 per cent travelled to India specifically because of the World Cup. During their stay in India, these cricket fans visited several tourist destinations, leading to an economic impact of US$ 281.2 million and nearly 68 per cent of the foreign visitors were also very happy with the hospitality of the Indians and promised to recommend their friends and family to visit India in the future, further enhancing India’s global image.
Hosting has a positive impact on India’s image
The majority of foreign visitors spent more than five nights in the country, while domestic travellers spent an average of two nights in host cities. An impressive 73 per cent of locals believed that hosting the Cricket World Cup had a positive impact on India’s image. Hosting the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup boosted the hotel and tourism industry, resulting in the creation of over 48,000 full and part-time jobs, contributing US$18 million to the economy.
Hosting the World Cup creates thousands of jobs
The report highlights the benefits that extend beyond the World Cup period to create a lasting impact on the Indian economy, as 59 per cent of foreign tourists praised Indian tourism. ICC Chief Executive, Geoff Allardice said, “The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 has demonstrated the significant economic power of cricket, generating economic benefits of US$1.39 billion for India. The event created thousands of jobs and showcased India as a major tourist destination.” (Agency)