JOHN’S, Antigua – The West Indies Cricket Board announced today it has appointed three official United Kingdom tour operators for the England One-day International Tour of the Caribbean next February/March.
International Cricket Tours, Howzat Travel and Sports Tours Plus have been licensed as exclusive commercial travel providers.
Commercial Manager of the WICB Nelecia Yeates said the Official UK Tour Operators will offer attractive travel packages which include premium tickets for the series and travellers from the UK should take advantage.
She noted that the Official UK Tour Operators will have the right to sell tickets only, since there will be no online ticket sales for the series until February 2017.
“Since the tour dates and venues were announced, there has been keen interest in the series from fans in the United Kingdom,” said Commercial Manager of the WICB Nelecia Yeates.
“We know the value of the connection between the game, the Caribbean, and West Indies and English fans in the UK, so we are more than happy to ensure these fans can coordinate their travel arrangements and come share the excitement with us.”
Yeates said the tour companies were all experienced organisers of trips to the Caribbean, so fans should take the opportunity to partner with them for a unique experience.
“The packages being offered through the Official Tour Operator programme include premium seats with some of the best views of play in the two match venues,” she said. “The WICB is making it possible for West Indian and English fans in the UK for a couple of reasons.
“First, it allows them to acquire tickets through the OTO programme, so they can avoid the frustration of long queues for tickets on match days at the match venues, and from legitimate sources, avoiding the risk of being denied entry to the match venues as has happened in the past, due to tickets being obtained from unofficial sources.”
Yeates also revealed that there is still an opportunity for West Indian tour operators to be a part of the programme.
“West Indian OTOs would have the non-exclusive right to sell tour packages and tickets only to fans in the Caribbean, North America and Canada,” she said. “They can contact the WICB directly for further information.”
Sara Malin, cricket sales director for International Cricket Tours, said about the opportunity to be appointed an OTO: “Although only three matches, this short series has proved to very popular with many travellers opting for a visit to the Caribbean. Demand from our clients to watch games from a box has also exceeded our expectations by far. We do still have pockets of availability, so late bookers can still apply.”
Debbie Pallant of Sports Tours Plus said: “Sports Tours Plus are once again delighted to have been appointed as an OTO for the forthcoming England ODI Tour to the West Indies. We are very much looking forward to returning to your beautiful islands and sharing in the excitement of this brief series.”