Rwanda becomes Arsenal’s first tourism partner

By Jenna Jolie | Update on: Dec 18, 2024

The top English football club will have all their teams wear ‘Visit Rwanda’ on their sleeves.

Arsenal’s Commercial Chief, Vinal Venkatesham, said the deal will help people think of Rwanda in a fresh way.

“This is a big deal that will help Rwanda grow its tourism,” Venkatesham said. “The country has changed a lot in recent years.”

For three years, the ‘Visit Rwanda’ logo will be on the left sleeve of the main team, under-23 team, and Arsenal Women’s team starting this August. As part of this deal, Arsenal players and coaches will go to Rwanda. They will hold camps to help boys and girls in the country learn and play better.

The deal will show Rwanda’s travel spots like the National Parks. These parks bring in many visitors. More animals now live there, like black rhinos, lions, zebras, chimps, and the well-known mountain gorillas. It also points to chances to invest in the country.

Rwanda saw 1.3 million visitors last year. In 2017, travel brought 90,000 jobs. Tourism is still Rwanda’s top foreign money maker.

The Visit Rwanda drive is about more than travel. It also presents Rwanda as a place to invest.

The World Bank ranks Rwanda as the third best place for business in Africa. Tourism and growth awards have been given to Rwanda by groups like the World Travel and Tourism Council and the World Economic Forum.

Rwanda is known for its rare and special chance to see Mountain Gorillas up close. It also offers water fun, biking, hiking, bird watching, and other things to do.  

Clare Akamanzi, leader of the Rwanda Development Board, said the nation is eager to greet more visitors and business people.  

"We are happy to join Arsenal and share the life and charm of Rwanda. Our country is full of spirit, ideas, and growth," she said.  

Akamanzi talked about why Rwanda is great for business.  

"We are the second fastest-growing economy in Africa. You can start a business here in just six hours and enjoy great chances through trade deals we have with over 50 nations."  

Visit Rwanda will be seen by many people thanks to ads on Arsenal’s matchday boards, interviews, and stadium tours. These tours bring in over 250,000 guests every year. 

Arsenal’s Venkatesham noted how big the reach is for Rwanda from this deal.

“The Arsenal shirt is viewed 35 million times every day worldwide, and we are one of the top teams people watch. We are excited to work with the Visit Rwanda team to help build the country’s name as a place for tourists,” Venkatesham said.

National Geographic is also helping by showing Rwanda as a key place to visit.

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