Football Star Luis Suarez Is Now An Ambassador For Tourism Malaysia
The Tourism Ministry is hoping that the Barca forward will attract more millennials to the country.
By Samantha Khor — 10 Nov 2017, 01:11 PM
Here's hoping that Luis Suarez is coming to Malaysia to take a bite out of our food soon, as the FC Barcelona star just signed a one-year partnership deal with Tourism Malaysia!
According to the Uruguayan forward's Asian representative Mediapro, Tourism Malaysia has been cooperating with La Liga for a year to make Malaysia the Spanish football league's official tourist destination in Asia.
"The Barcelona star is extremely popular in Asia, and we are very confident this branding and activation exercise with Suarez will help attract more travellers to consider Malaysia as their next holiday destination and experience all that Malaysia has to offer as being Truly Asia," said Mediapro Asia managing director Lars Heidenreich.
The Uruguayan forward, who says that he is "incredibly thrilled" to introduce our country's "rich culture and heritage" to the world, will act as the international face for Tourism Malaysia over the next year
"It is an honour and privilege to be able to work with Malaysia, a culturally-diverse country with beautiful beaches, and world-class resorts fit for all ages.
I am incredibly thrilled and looking forward to embark on this journey to introduce this exotic country to the world, especially its rich culture and heritage to all my fans and make them fans of Malaysia," said Suarez in a press release.
Tourism and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz hopes that Suarez's appointment as a Tourism Malaysia ambassador will attract millennial tourists to the country
"We are excited to be working with Luis Suarez who has proven to be not only among the world top-ranking footballers but also a respected community leader," Nazri said.
He added that Suarez is a hero to millennials and an inspiration to many, and hopes that this acknowledgement will "shine the spotlight on Malaysia as a tropical holiday destination that appeals to the millennial spirit for travel and adventure".
Suarez, currently on his fourth year with FC Barcelona, previously played for Liverpool from 2011 to 2014. He is also part of the Uruguay national team and is expected to join the line-up in the upcoming 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.
Those of you who don't really follow football might remember him for that one time he bit an Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini during the 2014 FIFA World Cup.