Cristiano Ronaldo is set to arrive in China soon. This has evidently created quite a buzz in the country. After all, during his previous visit, his stunning free-kick goal left fans in disbelief. Moreover, people seem to recognize the fact that CR7 is in the twilight of his career and might not be around much longer. Hence, the CR7 effect seems to have captured the city of Shenzhen where the tourist reservations have increased 9-fold. Looks like the Al Nassr man is having a similar effect on tourism in China, just like in Saudi Arabia.

Al Nassr will arrive in China on January 19th. The tour comprises two friendlies against Shanghai Shenhua and Zhejiang Professional.

Li Jiwei raves about the Cristiano Ronaldo effect even before his arrival!

The impending arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo & Co. seems to have helped tourism in China, particularly in the city of Shenzhen. This is the opinion of Li Jiwei, Vice President of Meituan Research Institute. He explained, “The number of accommodation reservations in the city of Shenzhen has increased nine times over the previous number since tourists learned that the legend Cristiano Ronaldo will participate in the friendly tour of China.” An absolutely staggering increase! This is also Ronaldo’s second visit to the country. During the 2019 Intercontinental Champions Cup, he played at the Nanjing Sports Stadium. Then a Juventus player, CR7 had a nail-biter against Inter Milan.

It’s safe to say that the Portuguese maestro will have fond memories of China. Also, the reason why Al Nassr is touring China in January is due to the winter international break. This is the window for the prestigious Asian Cup. It’s not just China where Cristiano Ronaldo has impacted tourism. His move to Al Nassr, which sent shockwaves in the soccer world at first, also uplifted Saudi Arabia’s tourism industry.

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CR7 altered Saudi Arabia’s tourism landscape

With more than 600 million Instagram followers, Ronaldo has a huge pull. His move to the SPL also caused the popularity of soccer in the country to increase. This also had an impact on the country’s tourism industry, as both locals and foreigners flocked to see the 5-time Ballon d’Or winner in action. As per Cision, the tourism sector in the country has witnessed a +60% pre-pandemic level recovery. Stadiums are now jam-packed and this has resulted in increased revenue as well.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr Will Receive $13 Million for 2 Friendlies in China, as Per Reports

Moreover, Saudi Arabia themselves invested heavily in infrastructure and attractions to cash in the CR7 effect. Interestingly, Al Muammar, President of Al Nassr had even previously stated that CR7’s signing would boost the tourism sector in the country. Per the president, the contract signed with CR7 also included access to his commercial rights. Looking back, the president was spot on regarding his tourism comments.

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