Tanzania has officially appointed former England and Manchester United footballer, Rio Ferdinand, as a voluntary tourism ambassador.The announcement was made in Arusha where Dr.Ashatu Kijaji, the Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, handed him a certificate formalising the role.

Ferdinand is expected to use his social media influence, reaching over 20 million followers, to promote Tanzania’s diverse natural attractions, including Serengeti National Park, Mount Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar beaches, and Ngorongoro Crater.The ministry emphasised that this initiative could significantly boost the tourism sector, which has already welcomed approximately 5.9 million visitors and generated 4.4 billion US dollars in revenue.

By leveraging Ferdinand’s celebrity status and international reach, Tanzania hopes to attract more global travellers, compete effectively with neighbouring countries, and highlight conservation efforts.

While the specific responsibilities were not detailed, Ferdinand’s role likely involves social media campaigns, participation in tourism promotions, and appearing in content showcasing Tanzania’s beauty.

This strategic appointment reflects the government’s commitment under President Samia Suluhu Hassan to increase international visibility for the country’s tourism and support economic growth through the sector.