West Indies cricket legend Brian Lara has urged people to try Trinidad and Tobago for themselves as he helps raise awareness of tourism opportunities on the islands.
Lara, whose 501 not out for Warwickshire in 1994 remains the highest individual innings score in first-class cricket history, became a sports ambassador for Trinidad and Tobago in 2004.
People need a figure point, but I would like people to understand that Trinidad and Tobago has a lot more to offer, he says.
We have a great group of people, a great island, and people should really come out and see what it is like.
Juliana Johan-Boodram, permanent secretary at Trinidad and Tobagoís tourism ministry, adds: 'When you come to Trinidad and Tobago, you get two for the price of one. Two completely different experiences.'
Sport is central to its success. We are looking at sport tourism as one of the big things we can offer, she says, while highlighting the carnivals on the islands. We party like nobody can in Trinidad and Tobago, she adds.
West Indies ruled the cricket world in the 1970s and 80s, but the team despite Lara's notable achievements, has struggled over the last two decades. We were the talk of the town and everybody loved the Caribbean and the West Indies team, he says. But Lara hopes a revival of its fortunes, at least in the shorter format of the game, would not only lift the spirits of everyone in the West Indies, but the whole cricketing world.
Source: Flight Daily News