Tiny island full of heart has much to offer tourists
Feb 13 2009 by Iain Laing, The Journal
I’M on a tiny island obsessed with cricket, dependent on tourism, professional services and public sector work, and having to cope with an economic downturn. It almost feels like home. The soaring temperature, warm sea and golden beaches give the game away – it’s the Caribbean in February.
Antigua is a wonderful island, however disappointing the cricket scores have become. It was unheard of before Sir Viv Richards came along, invigorating the islanders’ fierce devotion to cricket, and driving forward nine premier cricket clubs, a second league of 12 teams, fantastic facilities and a great coaching programme for youngsters in an island of only 80,000 people.
Despite losing the first Test last week the atmosphere is fantastic. Antiguans display the British part of their heritage in many ways – including the cricket – but the sound of steel-drums give the island an individual beat.
The heat’s on in the Test series too, and England are wilting. Kingston’s poor results have to be turned round in Antigua, and we should have the cricketers to do it. What we appear to be lacking is confidence and discipline. Each commentator has a different solution, suggesting changes of players or coaches to spark a real result.
Apparently Oprah Winfrey, Giorgio Armani, Eric Clapton and Ken Follett all have winter homes here. I have yet to meet any of them, but as there are many hidden bays to conceal shy stars, I doubt I’ll get a glimpse, or an invitation to tea.
The upbeat feel of Antigua gives it a resilience to current economic problems. American visitors are key to its tourism trade, and numbers are likely to be threatened this year. The combination of gorgeous coast, positive people and wonderful weather, however, will be hard to resist for those who have visited before.
We also have the gorgeous coast and positive people in the North East. Our tourism grew faster than all other UK regions between 2003 and 2007. It brings in £3.9bn to the local economy and employs 60,000. With consistent, creative marketing and an emphasis on artistic and cultural activity, the sector should continue to flourish despite downturns.
And as we wander dreamily towards Valentine’s Day it’s good to know that Newcastle is Britain’s most romantic city. It also tops the polls for the number of people undergoing plastic surgery. Surely the two aren’t connected?
