South African Tourism Board Drops the Axe on R1bn Sponsorship Deal with Spurs

Tourism Minister Patricia De Lille has certified that the SA Tourism board has agreed to call off the proposed sponsorship deal with Tottenham Hotspur. According to Jacaranda FM, the choice to scrap the controversial deal follows hot on the heels of De Lille describing the proposed agreement as illegal.

The tourism body had planned a three-year sponsorship deal worth R900 million to acquire kit and interview backdrop stadium hospitality, branding, and partnership announcements, among other marketing perks. However, the proposed agreement came in for widespread criticism due to the country’s sluggish economy.

De Lille stated on Thursday, “In a letter from the SA Tourism Board Chairperson, based on the advice I have given to the board and which I had publicly stated, that the deal should not proceed, the SA Tourism Board has agreed not to proceed with the proposal.”

Also read: St. Louis City Director Shares Insights on Blom’s MLS Debut

“The SA Tourism Board will no longer proceed with the transaction, nor will it seek the concomitant requisite approvals for the proposed transaction. As stated before, in the current economic climate, the use of public funds must be carefully considered and for any department to fulfil its mandate, it must be done in a cost-effective way, exploring multiple options and with due consideration for all priorities.”

Patricia De Lille, appointed to the ministry earlier this month, said she would work with the agency to strengthen South Africa’s place as a top tourist location. “I will also continue engaging SA Tourism and the department in more detail on the Department’s budget to ensure that we fulfil our mandate of growing visitor numbers to South Africa, providing the necessary support to enable growth, increase job creation and increase the sector’s contribution to the economy.

“This matter is now concluded, and we will continue working together to explore all avenues, create an environment conducive for the private sector to invest and crowd in on government initiatives within the legislative framework to grow tourism.”

Also read:

After an 18-Year Career, Kuhn Announces Retirement

Picture: Twitter / iDiskiTimes