Published on : Saturday, June 1, 2019
On Thursday, in a statement, the ministry explained the sponsorship agreement comes in the context of its eagerness to use the main events of AFCON for marketing Egypt internationally.
Minister of Tourism Ranya Al-Mashat emphasized the significance of hosting regional sporting event on Egypt’s soil. “Major sports tournaments, such as the African Cup of Nations, attract millions of football fans and spectators from everywhere,” she said.
Taking into account the last time Egypt organized the tournament was in 2006, this year’s AFCON, Al-Mashat says, shows the return of confidence in the Egyptian state to host and organise major events.
Hosting the 2019 continental tournament comes during Egypt’s presidency of the African Union (AU).
Al-Mashat further added that the ministry is trying hard to make the most of international sporting events, putting the name of Egypt in all the prime stadiums.
“Our presence in stadiums and the exploitation of the world’s stars are a great propaganda for Egypt,” she said, alluding to the publicity campaign of the ministry during the FIFA 2018 World Cup, where Egypt was officially the regional sponsor of Africa. As per the protocol signed of late, the ministry has the rights to utilize the pictures and video of the players of the national teams while visiting tourist and archaeological sites on the ministry’s different promotion platforms. Al-Mashat said that this will have a great impact on publicity about Egypt.
“The tournament is attended by 24 African teams. We wish success to all, and we hope the Egyptian team gets the cup for the eighth time,” the minister said.
Al-Mashat also wished all participating teams a happy stay.