Jurriën Timber, Arsenal’s defender, is currently on a three-day visit to Rwanda, marking another significant moment in the flourishing partnership between Arsenal Football Club and Visit Rwanda.

Arsenal Football Club’s partnership with Visit Rwanda continues to flourish as defender Jurriën Timber embarks on a three-day visit to the African nation.

The 22-year-old Dutch international follows the footsteps of other Arsenal stars who have visited Rwanda since the partnership’s initiation in 2018.

Timber is the latest to partake in this collaboration, which aims to promote Rwanda as a prime tourism destination. His journey mirrors that of David Luiz, another Arsenal defender who visited Rwanda in 2019.

Since the partnership’s launch, several Arsenal legends and first-team players, including Edu Gaspar, Robert Pires, Alex Scott, Tony Adams, Lauren, Ray Parlour, David Seaman, Sol Campbell, Caitlin Foord, Jordan Nobbs, Jen Beatie, and Katie McCabe, have experienced Rwanda’s culture and hospitality.

Jurriën Timber’s itinerary includes a visit to Akagera National Park for a Big 5 safari, a meet-and-greet with young Rwandan footballers and fans in Kigali and Nyagatare, and a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial.

On his inaugural visit to Africa, Timber expressed his excitement: “I am very happy to be here. It is my first time in Africa, and I’m going to enjoy my time here. We have a full program and I’m looking forward to it.”

Francis Gatare, CEO of the Rwanda Development Board, welcomed Timber, emphasising the visit’s significance in highlighting Rwanda’s transformation and creativity.

Gatare said, “We welcome Jurriën to Rwanda. He will have a great time in the vibrancy and beauty of Rwanda. Jurriën’s visit in Rwanda avails an opportunity to showcase to the World our country’s energy, creativity and transformation. We also guarantee him a one-of-a-kind experience with some of our most talented young footballers who aspire to play at his level one day and represent Rwanda on a global stage.”

The Visit Rwanda-Arsenal partnership has reportedly had a considerable impact on tourism in Rwanda. An independent survey conducted by Hall and Partners revealed a notable increase in awareness among Arsenal fans regarding Rwanda as a tourist destination.

Before the partnership, only 25% of Arsenal fans were aware of Rwanda’s tourism offerings. This figure has since increased to 51%.

This collaboration has also translated into tangible benefits for Rwanda. In 2022, the country welcomed 1.1 million visitors, generating over $445 million in revenue.

The success of this initiative has not gone unnoticed in the sports and business communities. The partnership has been recognised with several accolades, including the European Sponsorship Association Award in 2020 and a Silver Award at the Football Business Awards 2023 in the sponsorship category.

It was also nominated for a Leaders of Sports Award.