Source: Business Insider
Zanzibar has persisted in its efforts to rank among the top tourist destinations in the world. The island nation’s latest move concerning its goals is its partnership with the English football club Chelsea. Zanzibar’s government recently partnered with the football club on a promotional deal. The move is reminiscent of Rwanda’s partnership with Arsenal.
According to a report by the Tanzanian news platform, The Citizen, the president of Zanzibar, Hussein Mwinyi had a meeting with the Head of Global Sales for Chelsea football Barnes Hampel, and his delegation at Zanzibar’s state house on the 1st of February.
The meeting centered around how both parties can collaborate to bolster Zanizbar’s tourism sector. They also spoke about the development of sports in the small island nation via football academies amongst other initiatives.
While discussions are ongoing, the Chelsea head of sales is set to continue his tour of the nation, with a trip to the mainland.
Mr. Hampel is also scheduled to meet with the country’s Minister of Culture, Arts and Sports, Mr. Damas Ndumbaro, to talk through sports development initiatives. There are also plans to speak to the president of Tanzania, Samia Suluhu Hassan.
This move by Zanzibar is reminiscent of Rwanda’s collaboration with a fellow English football team, Arsenal.
Rwanda and Arsenal deal, in 2018, the Rwandan government partnered with the English football club Arsenal to boost Rwanda’s tourism revenue via a campaign aptly dubbed “Visit Rwanda.”
The 3-year deal spanning 2018-2020, between both parties, was inked and it stipulated that Arsenal players wear hand bands with the words “Visit Rwanda” written on them, in exchange for £10million-per-year to the football club.
Given the scarcity of mineral resources, Rwanda’s tourist industry is among its finest financial investments. Thanks to the mountain gorillas in the Volcanoes National Park, the nation is particularly counting on luxury travel and conference hosting.
