KIGALI, March 20 (Xinhua) -- The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) said Monday it has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Veteran Clubs World Championship to promote sports tourism in the country.
Under the deal signed over the weekend through the country's Visit Rwanda campaign, Rwanda will host the next three editions of the football tournament, according to a statement.
The maiden games scheduled for September 2024 are expected to draw 150 football legends from around the world to play at the Amahoro Stadium in Rwanda's capital city Kigali.
During the games, the Visit Rwanda branding will be visible in the stadium and on marketing collateral such as the jerseys and tickets, it said.
"Hosting this event puts Rwanda on the world map as a fast-growing sports tourism destination. This is a championship that is expected to attract thousands of not only global football spectators but also leading brands and partners looking to create impact through sports," RDB Chief Executive Officer Clare Akamanzi said in the statement.
"We are excited at the income and job opportunities the tournament will create for Rwandans and encourage more people to come and host their sporting events in Rwanda," she said.
The statement does not disclose how much will be paid to the Veteran Clubs World Championship.
"We want the world to come to Rwanda not only to enjoy the tournament but to also visit its wonderful attractions and establish businesses and invest," said Fred Siewe, founder of the Veteran Clubs World Championship.
Rwanda seeks to position itself as Africa's sports hub hosting major competitions. The government generated about 6 million U.S. dollars from sports tourism in 2021, according to official data.
The government injected 160 million Rwandan francs (about 150,000 dollars) in 2021 to upgrade the Amahoro stadium and expand its seating capacity from 25,000 to 45,000. ■
