(Naole Média) Olympique de Marseille and the Ivorian Ministry of Tourism recently formalised an alliance for the next three sports seasons, establishing a privileged partnership between the club from Marseille and the national tourism development programme « Sublime Côte d’Ivoire ».
The partnership, under the aegis of the Côte d’Ivoire Ministry of Tourism and in collaboration with the « More by Entourage » agency, aims to boost the reputation of Côte d’Ivoire, which is preparing to host the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations, by combining its natural and cultural splendour with the influence of Olympique de Marseille.
» Sublime Côte d’Ivoire « , an ambitious strategy aimed at positioning Côte d’Ivoire among the top five tourist destinations in Africa, has found in the Olympique de Marseille a partner of choice to share its vision. With its UNESCO world heritage sites, national parks and nature reserves, Côte d’Ivoire is a jewel in the crown of West Africa, renowned for its warm hospitality. Easily accessible and surrounded by five neighbouring nations, the country recorded almost two million visitors last year, boosting its growing tourism industry. Already a top business destination since 2018, Côte d’Ivoire aims to maintain this momentum with its new strategic plan.
Olympique de Marseille, a cosmopolitan club by nature, has deep ties with the country, counting many Ivorian football icons among its legends, as well as a vast community of fans throughout the country, from Abidjan to Yamoussoukro. Backed by this historic connection and its powerful digital community of over 20 million subscribers, OM will play a key role in developing this partnership and promoting the country. The distinctive ‘Sublime Côte d’Ivoire’ logo will adorn the men’s team shorts in the league, as well as the back of training kits.
Speaking on the occasion, Pablo Longoria, President of Olympique de Marseille, expressed his enthusiasm: « For decades, Olympique de Marseille has enjoyed a special relationship with Africa in general, and Côte d’Ivoire in particular. It is therefore with immense pride that our club is further strengthening the ties that unite us with Côte d’Ivoire, thereby contributing to the reputation of this exceptional country through this partnership ».
Siandou Fofana, Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of Tourism, emphasised: « Côte d’Ivoire, a fervent football fan, sees this unifying sport as an invaluable opportunity to convey meaningful messages. The association of the image of our sublime Côte d’Ivoire with that of OM represents a strategic collaboration and a unique opportunity, which will undoubtedly have a positive influence on the global perception of our country and boost the tourism sector ».
Thus, this alliance linking Olympique de Marseille and « Sublime Côte d’Ivoire » looks set to be a fruitful partnership, focused on celebrating the country’s riches and communicating its unique charm to the whole world.
Cyrille Djami.