Kenya's prowess in golf tourism goes global

By PHILLIP MWAKIO

IN LONDON

After a successful stint at the World Travel Market (WTM) in London, the country’s top tourism marketer, Kenya Tourist Board (KTB), will head a pack of eight firms to showcase Kenya’s prowess in golf tourism at Valencia in Spain.

KTB Director of Exihibitions, Joe Sanna said that Kenya would be featuring in the annual event dubbed the International Golf Travel Market (IGTM) from November 15-18.

"We are working jointly with the Kenya Golf Marketing Alliance (KGMA) and are this year sending one of the largest groups from Kenya," Sanna said.

Apart from KTB, Sanna said Kenya will be represented at the golf fair by Exotic Golf Safaris, Express Kenya Limited, Leisure Lodge Resorts, Private Safaris Limited (EA), Tee Off Kenya Limited, The Great Rift Valley Lodge& Golf Resort and the Vipingo Ridge.

Golf destination

Kenya’s quest to enter into the top ranking golf destination got a shot in the arm with the endorsement of the country by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators.

"The country has the potential to develop from an undiscovered golf destination to an accomplished one," the International Association of Golf and Tour Operators said.

The association’s Chief Executive, Mr Peter Walton added that the endorsement of Kenya as a golf destination puts it in pole position to earn a share of the $1.3 billion generated by the sport yearly.

Kenya boasts a range of quality golf courses, favourable weather, hospitality as well as safari segment.

Last year, Kenya was awarded the Undiscovered Golf destination of the year award at the International Association of Golf Tour Operators awards.

Anne Mambo, a director with Exotic Golf Safaris in an interview with The

Standard in London said Kenya’s main market share comes from Europe, Middle East and Africa.

"Both of these have a known combined eight million golfers of which 30 per cent take golf tours," she said.

Mambo said her firm is keen on promoting Kenya as a leading golf destination, but is wary of the fact that there are stiff challenges from South Africa and Mauritius.

An accomplished golfer herself, Mambo is optimistic that Kenya will reap from golf tourism.