Kenya has been declared a suitable golf tourism destination following the endorsement by International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO). The country has good potential to move from being an undiscovered golfing destination to an accomplished one, according to IAGTO Chief Executive Peter Walton during a recent visit.
This development puts Kenya in a pole position to earn a share of the $ 1.3billion generated by the sport yearly. Kenya has quality courses, offers value for money in terms of pricing, favourable weather, hospitality, as well as the safari segment, the Association said. It is fast becoming known as a top golfing destination and was awarded the “Undiscovered Golf Destination of the Year 2009” at the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO) Awards.
Kenya’s main markets are Europe, Middle East and Africa which have a combined eight million golfers of which at least 30 per cent take golf tours. Mr. Walton said that golfers spend more than leisure tourists.
The Kenya Tourist Board Managing Director Muriithi Ndegwa says the Board is marketing golf tourism as a niche product in line with its diversification programme to diversify tourism products.
A management team from IAGTO was in the country for 10 days and visited golf courses for a full audit of the country’s potentials as a major golfing destination. IAGTO is a global trade organisation for the golf tourism and has a membership of over 1,000 as well as 340 specialist golf tour operators controlling some 80 percent of golf holiday packages.
Golfers looking for a beach break should head to Kenya’s coastal white sands near Mombasa to try out the championship standard Leisure Lodge Beach & Golf Resort in Diani Beach. The coastal region of Kenya is a paradise of white sandy beaches and calm blue waters, where golfers can get some action in total relaxation. This challenging 18-hole course is a popular venue for international golf tournaments and the public alike. Non-members can also play in tournaments held at the course so if you fancy yourself as the next Tiger Woods, this is the perfect opportunity to find out how good you really are. For more information on the course and upcoming tournaments, please visit www.leisurelodgeresort.com
The Nyali Golf & Country Club is a par 71 golf course situated along the Bamburi coast line, north of Mombasa, and boasts stunning fairways and beautifully kept greens that are a challenge for all skill levels. This stunning stretch of coast is full of fun activities for those looking for a break away from golf, with many water sports and camel rides available. Since opening in 1980, it has added a large club house to relax and unwind in after a long fulfilling day of golf, a swimming pool plus a well stocked pro shop where all golf accessories are accessible on a daily basis. The club offers daily and weekly memberships to visitors at reasonable rates so golfers can play as many times as you like during your stay in Kenya. www.nyaligolf.co.ke
The Windsor Golf Resort is a beautifully designed championship golf course situated on the outskirts of Nairobi. It is defined by its high and low terrain as it threads its way through coffee farms and forestation, which gives itself character and design quality. Windsor is situated a mile above sea level and the impressive course boasts lush fairways, fast greens, attractive water hazards and up to 73 well located sand bunkers. For more information, please visit www.windsorgolfresort.com
For more information, contact Kenya Tourist Board on 0207 367 0931 or visit www.magicalkenya.com