Royal Caribbean International and Durham County Cricket Club (Durham CCC) have announced a new two-year sponsorship agreement, underlining Royal Caribbean’s commitment to the travel industry and wider community in the region.

The partnership was revealed today at Durham CCC, during a press conference to announce the appointment of Sir Ian Botham as the club’s new chairman. The upgraded sponsorship agreement, which first began in 2015, will see Royal Caribbean become the club’s official travel partner.

The partnership will include TV-visible branding around the Emirates Riverside stadium as well as logo inclusion on Durham’s Specsavers County Championship shirt design. Royal Caribbean will also have a beautifully furnished lounge located at the heart of the ground, enabling it to provide agents with a taste of the extraordinary experiences guests can have during a Royal Caribbean holiday.

Newly appointed Durham CCC chairman, Sir Ian Botham, said: “Royal Caribbean is a valued partner of the club and this new agreement takes our relationship to another level. They have built a reputation for innovation and we are very pleased to be associated with them.”

Ben Bouldin, associate VP and managing director for UK&I, Royal Caribbean said: “At Royal Caribbean, we are passionate about involvement in our local communities and are proud to be partnering with Durham CCC as one of the best cricket clubs in the country.

“We are also delighted to be able to offer our North of England travel agent partners a training space at Durham CCC’s world-class facilities. We look forward to using the lounge to provide agents with the tools they need to confidently sell our holidays to new and existing customers. We will also use it as a way to thank them for their unwavering support by inviting them to future games with hospitality.”