May 24 – Arsenal have signed a shirt sleeve deal with The Rwanda Development Board, through their subsidiary, the Rwanda Convention Bureau, which will see the “Visit Rwanda’ become the club’s official Tourism Partner. The ‘Visit Rwanda’ logo will feature on the left sleeve of all Arsenal teams next season.
In a statement on arsenal.com chief commercial officer, Vinai Venkatesham, said: “This is an exciting partnership which will see us support Rwanda’s ambition to build their tourism industry. The country has been transformed in recent years and Arsenal’s huge following will bring Rwanda into people’s minds in a new and dynamic way.
“The Arsenal shirt is seen 35 million times a day globally and we are one of the most viewed teams around the world. We look forward to working with the ‘Visit Rwanda’ team to further establish the country as a leading tourist destination.”
Rwanda Development Board chief executive officer, Clare Akamanzi, said: “We’re thrilled to be partnering with Arsenal and showcasing the vibrancy and beauty of our country. Rwanda is a country pulsing with energy, creativity and innovation.
“Visit Rwanda and discover why we are the second fastest growing economy in Africa. Investors in Rwanda are able to register their businesses in only six hours and prepare to enjoy the opportunities accrued from the free trade agreements that we’ve signed with over 50 countries.
“Renowned for our incredible and unique Mountain Gorilla tracking experience, tourists can also enjoy a variety of water sports, cycling, hiking, bird watching to list a few of the tourist attractions available while in Rwanda.”
The sponsorship deal includes an agreement for players from Arsenal’s men’s and women’s teams to visit Rwanda and club coaches will host coaching camps to support the development of the game for boys and girls in the country.
In addition, ‘Visit Rwanda’ will gain exposure through branding on matchday LED boards at Emirates Stadium, all the interview backdrops and a broad range of other marketing rights.
Rwanda has been developing at a rate of 7% under the authoritarian rule of Paul Kagame and the new sponsorship has already been criticised as seeking to whitewash the Rwandan government’s human rights record.
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