Economic Boost from 2023 ODI World Cup: A Blockbuster for Indian Tourism

The 2023 ODI World Cup in India generated an economic impact of USD 1.39 billion, significantly benefiting tourism. The event attracted a record 1.25 million spectators, creating over 48,000 jobs and boosting India's global image as a tourist destination, according to an ICC report.

The 2023 ODI World Cup in India had an 'economic impact' of USD 1.39 billion, with the tourism sector among the biggest beneficiaries, according to a report released by the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Wednesday.

The Economic Impact Assessment, conducted by Nielsen for the ICC, claimed that last year's mega-event held in October-November, was the biggest ever ODI World Cup.

'The ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 has demonstrated the significant economic power of cricket, generating an economic benefit of USD 1.39 billion (Rs 11,637 crore) for India,' said ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice in a statement.

Australia ended India's unbeaten run in the tournament to win the trophy for a record-extending sixth time.

'The impact of tourism across the host cities amounted to USD 861.4 million of revenue generation through accommodation, travel, transportation, and food and beverages due to a massive influx of domestic and foreign tourists attending the matches,' read an ICC statement.

'The secondary and incremental spends within the economy were a key driver, generating USD 515.7 million, which was approximately 37 percent of the total impact.' The ICC did not specify whether the massive figure cited in the report is actual revenue.

A record-breaking 1.25 million spectators attended the mega event, of which nearly 75 percent were attending an ICC 50-over match for the first time ever, according to the report.

Approximately 55 percent of international respondents had previously visited India regularly, while an injection of new visitors thanks to the World Cup saw 19 percent of international attendees making their first-ever visit to the country.

'International travelers visited multiple tourist destinations during their stay, which amounted to an economic impact of USD 281.2 million. Nearly 68 percent of international attendees said they would recommend India as a tourist destination to friends and family in the future, further enhancing India's global image,' read the statement from the governing body.

Over 48,000 full and part-time jobs were created by the event through direct involvement in delivering the tournament, as well as other organizations across the hospitality sector, the report added.

'The event created thousands of jobs and showcased India as a premier tourist destination, proving that ICC events not only engage fans passionately but also contribute significantly to the economies of our host nations,' Allardice said.

(With inputs from agencies.)