George Stuarts Travel International Ltd have been appointed the official travel agents for Cricket World Cup 2003 completing a hat-trick in administration.
The tournament is scheduled to be held in South Africa from February 8 till March 23 and their appointment to be the official travel agents for a third consecutive Cricket World Cup is looked upon by the company's hierarchy as one of great prestige.
"What this appointment reflects is the esteem with which our company is being held in various parts of the world," said the company's group chairman S. Skandakumar chairing a well-attended press conference at Steuart House yesterday.
"We consider this a great challenge because of two areas which we will have to deal with. One is that there is no direct flights to South Africa unlike in the previous two World Cups in Pakistan/India and England, and two, there is no consular office in Sri Lanka for visas," said Skandakumar.
"Bearing this in mind we have put out very attractive packages for those who wish to travel to South Africa and witness the matches," he said.
George Steuarts will market the tickets for those wishing to witness any of the matches in the form of single package which will include air tickets, accommodation and match tickets.
The tournament will take place over 44 dys in various venues around South Africa with a spectacular opening ceremony scheduled for February 8 and a closing ceremony for March 23 at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg where the final will be played.
"Corporates and menmbers of the public are cautioned against purchasing packages from any travel agent or tour operator other than the official appointee as they will not have access to official match tickets. This is due to the sophisticated ticketing process to be used during the tournament.
Skandakumar said the concept of appointing official travel agents for the Cricket World Cup was first mooted in 1996. George Stuarts were then appointed and Skandakumar recalled how they chartered a flight within 48 hours to take around 300 people to Lahore and back to witness the historic final where Sri Lanka beat Australia to emerge the World Cup champions.
The company were also appointed the official travel agents for the 1999 World Cup held in England.
"The 1999 World Cup was disappointing in that our team failed to qualify for the Super Six, but the manner in which they are preparing for the 2003 World Cup I am sure our performances will be on par with that of the 1996 World Cup," he said.
He said that with the intention of enabling as many people to witness the 2003 World Cup, 'a fly now, pay later' scheme is being worked out with the banks.
Sales Director Channe Wijemanne, Director R. Muralidharan, Tours Director Lucky Fernando and Business Development Director Rimzi Nazeer were also associated with the media briefing.
© Daily News
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