Tanzania has initiated a strategy to utilize the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) preparations as an opportunity to promote itself globally, aiming to attract tourists and sports stakeholders through visiting international guests. This approach was evident as a group of journalists, celebrities, and content creators from various nations visited Tanzania to witness the preparations and explore some of the country's tourist attractions. The goal is to provide these guests with a firsthand experience of Tanzania, enabling them to promote the country through their media platforms and digital channels.
The visit, organized by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, included a tour of Dar es Salaam, Arusha, and Fumba, Zanzibar, with the objective of showcasing Tanzania's tourist attractions and AFCON preparations. According to Nassor Garamatatu, the Marketing Officer of the Tanzania Tourism Board (TTB), the investment in sports infrastructure, including the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium and the Gymkhana Stadium, is among the areas highlighted to demonstrate Tanzania's capacity to host large-scale international events.
The group of visitors included Alizee Morat, a French journalist and content creator, who expressed that the visit had changed her perception of Tanzania, citing her appreciation for the country's modern infrastructure and the hospitality of its people. Morat, who has visited other African countries, including Cameroon, noted that she was impressed by Tanzania's development. John Jackson, the leader of the group, stated that the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism had decided to use AFCON as an opportunity to connect the visitors with Tanzania's attractions, enabling them to become ambassadors for the country through their networks and platforms.
The strategy aims to expand Tanzania's use of sports beyond competition, also leveraging it as a tool to promote tourism, infrastructure, and investment opportunities to a global audience. The visit provided the guests with a chance to experience Tanzania's attractions and infrastructure firsthand, which they can then share with their international audience. This approach is expected to increase Tanzania's visibility and appeal as a tourist destination and sports host.
The Tanzania Tourism Board (TTB) is optimistic that the visit will yield positive results, with Garamatatu stating that the board is confident that the guests will promote Tanzania through their media platforms and digital channels. The TTB is working to ensure that Tanzania's preparations for AFCON 2027 are well-publicized, highlighting the country's capabilities and attractions to a global audience.
The AFCON 2027 preparations are also expected to boost Tanzania's sports infrastructure, with the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium and the Gymkhana Stadium being upgraded to meet international standards. The investment in these facilities is seen as a significant step towards enhancing Tanzania's capacity to host large-scale sports events, which can contribute to the country's economic growth and development.
The visit by the group of international journalists and content creators is a significant step in Tanzania's efforts to promote itself through sports tourism. By showcasing its attractions and infrastructure, Tanzania aims to attract more visitors and investors, ultimately contributing to the country's economic growth and development. The success of this strategy will depend on the effectiveness of the promotional efforts and the appeal of Tanzania's tourist attractions and sports infrastructure.
Key points
- Tanzania is using AFCON 2027 preparations to promote tourism and sports, hosting international journalists and content creators to showcase its attractions and infrastructure.
