ST JOHN'S, Antigua (CMC):

Seven official United Kingdom tour operators have been appointed by the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) for the England tour of the Caribbean, the WICB announced yesterday.

International Cricket Tours, Howzat Travel, Sports Tours Plus, Thomas Cook Tour Operators, Gullivers/Barmy Army, Independent Travel Experts and Living with the Lions Sports Travel have been licensed as exclusive commercial travel providers, the WICB said.

"We are happy to appoint a number of experienced tour companies as the official tour operators for the series to ensure fans can co-ordinate their travel arrangements and look forward to working with all of them to ensure that the series is a major success," said WICB commercial manager Nelecia Yeates.

Cricket atmosphere

"We want to ensure all matches are sold out, so we extend a warm, hospitable Caribbean invitation to our friends in the UK and around the World to come to the Caribbean and enjoy the cricket atmosphere like only we can provide."

Yeates said the Official UK Tour Operators will offer attractive travel packages which include premium tickets for the series.

West Indies host England in three Tests to be staged at the Vivian Richards Cricket Ground in Antigua, National Cricket Stadium in Grenada and the world-renowned Kensington Oval in Barbados.