REAL MADRID LEGENDS TOUR SET TO BOOST TOURISM IN TANZANIA

Radio sports presenter of E FM 93.7, Maulid Kitenge (right), with Real Madrid legend, Luis Figo (left), after his arrival in Dar es Salaam last night. 

TANZANIA's football and tourism sectors are set to gain immensely as a galaxy of former Real Madrid stars is set to descend in the country for a tour and interact with fans.

Organisers say the group is expected to be in Dar es Salaam for a three day trip. In fact, some were expected to arrive by last night. Apparently, to have the Real Madrid greats come to Tanzania and play a selected side "Tanzania Eleven" will promote the country in a good way.

It is good for the country and fans because the visit will go a long way in supplementing Tanzania's efforts in promoting the country as a tourist destination and exposed the country's investments opportunities.

It is a fact that famous names always provide good PR opportunities and with such big names as Luis Figo, Michael Owen and Fabio Cannavaro the country is really going to get good publicity because the visit will even be reported and aired on several international media.

Another mileage for Tanzania will come from the fact that the team members are expected to visit various Tanzania safari tourist sites like the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Mount Kilimanjaro and many more. And there will be an autograph session where fans will get an opportunity to mingle with their icons in Arusha.

However, the absence of advance preparations in making extensive publicity on the arrival of the stars especially at this moment when tourists from Europe and America are cancelling their visit to Africa for fear of Ebola outbreak is worrying that the country might not get the best from the visit.

Let the tour organizers join hands with the government to ensure the country get the best from this visit. In fact, adverts publicising the country's potentials should have been aired in international channels to let the world know that Tanzania is safe, peacefully and Ebola free.

The Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) should also utilise this tour for the country's football benefit by initiating talks with the legends and persuade them to set up youth academies in the country.

This will supplement efforts already initiated by Sunderland FC and Symbion Power to set up the same at Kidongo Chekundu in Dar es Salaam. They are welcome to Tanzania.