The FIFA World Cup testifies to the fact that, among all sports, football is the biggest tourism driver a country could possibly have. Not so long ago, Rwanda hopped on this train by signing a sponsorship deal with Arsenal FC.
We’ll have a sleeve sponsor on our shirts from 2018/19 – we’re pleased to welcome our Official Tourism Partner, @visitrwanda_now
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) May 23, 2018
According to the Arsenal website, the deal is Rwanda’s way of rapidly increasing tourism in the country. The Rwanda Development Board came up with a ‘Visit Rwanda’ slogan, which has been featured on the left sleeve of all Arsenal teams for next season – making Rwanda the club’s first official sleeve partner.
In addition, the three-year deal will see Rwanda’s logo appear at the side of the pitch at the Emirates stadium and on the backdrops for post-match interviews. Arsenal will also host coaching camps for its teams in Rwanda, thereby helping develop football in the country.
#Rwanda - @Arsenal enter multi-million sleeve deal that will see the @premierleague team wear "VISIT RWANDA" on the shirt sleeves of 1st team players, Women team, and Youth team. VISIT RWANDA will also feature prominently on the LED screens/boards during match days. @RDBrwanda
— The New Times (Rwanda) (@NewTimesRwanda) May 23, 2018
The Arsenal shirt is seen 35 million times a day globally. This visibility is already telling on Rwanda’s tourism industry as there has been a surge in the number of British tourists visiting the country lately. The Rwandan government reportedly spent £30 million on the partnership and some experts believe it could help the country generate up to £300 million of revenue.
While there are several clubs making waves in the English Premier League, the Rwandan government probably went with Arsenal because President Paul Kagame is a very vocal fan of the club.
— Ed Jones (@Ed_Jonesafc) June 7, 2018
At least 183 people were killed and 215 others injured in Rwanda by heavy rains in the first four months of 2018, the Ministry of Disaster Management and Refugees of Rwanda said.
From January 1 to April 30, the disasters including floods and lightning also destroyed a total of 9,974 houses, leaving 706 people homeless, according to figures released by the ministry on Thursday.
Also destroyed were 2,450 hectares of plantations and 21 school structures, according to the figures.
The cabinet of Rwanda on Wednesday at a meeting expressed concern and sympathy to all Rwandans, especially families that had lost members and those impacted by the effects of the recent disasters.
The meeting also discussed strategies and mechanisms that would continue to support those affected by disasters and to fast-track repair of damaged properties.
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