Tanzania appoints US boxer ‘Bud’ Crawford to promote its rich tourist attractions

ARUSHA: THE Tanzanian government has appointed American boxing champion Terence “Bud” Crawford as a Tourism Ambassador in a move aimed at promoting the country’s tourist attractions to a wider global audience.

The boxing champion was appointed to the position by the Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Dr Ashatu Kijaji, during Crawford’s visit to Serengeti National Park, where the boxing star was undertaking a Royal Tour of Tanzania’s iconic attractions.

According to the Minister the appointment forms part of the government’s strategy to market Tanzania internationally through influential global figures, building on the success of the Tanzania: The Royal Tour and Amazing Tanzania tourism campaigns championed by President Samia Suluhu Hassan.

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Elaborating, Dr Kijaji said that the films have continued to attract high-profile visitors from around the world, including internationally renowned athletes, and expressed confidence that Crawford would help showcase Tanzania’s tourism potential to millions of people globally.

The minister also highlighted the growing link between sports and tourism, saying President Samia’s investment in sports has created new opportunities for youth development while strengthening Tanzania’s visibility on the international stage.

Dr Kijaji cited visits by global sports personalities, including former England football star Rio Ferdinand, as evidence of the country’s rising profile and urged Tanzanians to embrace sports as a tool for economic growth, employment and international engagement.