If regional governments pay more attention to the motor racing sector, it could become a major vehicle to drive the tourism industry says Hilary Jardine, president of the Jamaica Race Drivers’ Club.
Jardine, who is also partly responsible for reviving the recently-concluded Caribbean Motor Racing Championship, told BARBADOS BUSINESS AUTHORITY he believed regional governments should move swiftly to capitalize on motor racing as it was becoming extremely popular within the area.
“I think motor racing does have what it takes to increase tourism in all the countries [in the Caribbean]. Motor racing in the world is one of the biggest sports. It has large attendances,” pointed out Jardine.
“Ever since the introduction of the Caribbean Motor Racing Championship Series in 2006 it has been growing and since we brought Barbados in the competition in 2008 it has made a difference.
“There is no sport in the world that you have more than 400 000 people; only in motor racing,” he said, noting that there was also a high level of viewership.
Welcoming the Barbados government’s decision on the recently announced Redevelopment Programme for the Bushy Park, St Philip location, Jardine said other governments in the region should follow suit.
“I hate to say this, but our governments are fast asleep. Here is an opportunity, a vehicle to drive tourism.
“If that comes off, that will be great because then I can get my government to copy it and say ‘look at Barbados. They are serious about tourism, maybe you can do the same’ and then it can spread throughout the region,” he said.
