Online Reporter
THE big one, in the first half of this year, was Sir Alex Ferguson’s visit to the Victoria Falls.
In March this year, the legendary former Manchester United manager, who is one of the most respected people in football, in particular, and sport in general, around the world, visited the iconic Victoria Falls.
For the Ministry of Tourism, this was a BIG scoop with Tourism Minister, Barbara Rwodzi, sharing a video of Sir Alex walking around and being clapped for by a crowd during his visit.
In her post on social media, Min Rwodzi said: “Thank you Sir Ferguson for choosing our destination.
“Hope you had a memorable experience in our Tourism capital Victoria Falls.”
The Zimbabwe Tourism Association also paid tribute to Sir Alex during his visit.
Taking to social media, they said:
“We appreciate your choice of holiday destination Sir Alex Ferguson, Zimbabwe loves you, please come again and continue to experience Zimbabwe.”
For The Sun newspaper of the UK, Sir Alex chose the tranquility of the Victoria Falls to try and forget about Manchester United’s woes and a holiday to visit one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World was probably the best prescription.
Sir Alex, 83, was spotted at what The Sun described as “the stunning Victoria Falls Safari Lodge in Zimbabwe”.
The legendary manager was happy to pose for pictures with staff from the lodge.
His presence in the country sparked excitement among the many football fans.
A BBC Sport investigation in 2015 reported that 28 per cent of football fans in Zimbabwe were Red Devils supporters, as well as in neighbouring South Africa and Zambia.
Ferguson has had more time for holidays since retiring from football in 2013.
He won 13 Premier League titles at Man Utd, as well as two Champions League titles, five FA Cups, four League Cups, the Club World Cup and European Super Cup over 26 years there.
Ferguson experienced great success with Aberdeen in Scotland, breaking the Celtic-Rangers duopoly dominance by winning the Scottish Premier Division three times and winning the European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1983 – to date, the last time Real Madrid lost a European Cup final.
Air Alex flew into Victoria Falls on a Sunday, leaving locals and tourists star-struck.
His two-day visit was a testament to the country’s growing reputation as a premier tourist destination, attracting high-profile figures from around the world.
Sir Alex’s presence in Victoria Falls was a significant event, with fans and locals alike clamouring for photo opportunities.
Despite it being a private holiday, he graciously posed for pictures with staff and guests at the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, and later, while exploring the breathtaking Victoria Falls rainforest. The media, however, was kept at bay, with his handlers ensuring that he was not disturbed during his visit.
Victoria Falls has become a magnet for global sports icons and celebrities, with Sir Alex joining an elite list of visitors that includes Springboks captain Siya Kolisi, Barcelona’s Rayco Garcia, and Hollywood stars such as Paris Hilton, Michael Douglas, and Catherine Zeta-Jones.
The steady stream of high-profile visitors is a testament to the country’s success in positioning tourism as a key economic driver. − H-Metro Reporter/The Sun/Chronicle
