By Our Reporter
In efforts to promote golf tourism as part of Uganda Tourism Board’s initiative to market tourism products and services in the country, Uganda Tourism Board entered into a partnership with the Uganda Golf Union (UGU) ahead of the Uganda Golf Open Championships set for later this year.
The partnership will see both Uganda Tourism Board and the Uganda Golf Union work to position Uganda as Africa’s premier golf tourism destination despite the external perceptions related to participation in the sport.
With more than 1000 people attached to different clubs across the nation, the Uganda Golf Open Tour will traverse the whole country and with this launch, this sets the highlight for the different routes that will be taken.
Claire Mugabi Marketing Manager Uganda Tourism Board in her remarks shared that the Uganda Golf Open Tours will not only ensure that tourists visiting the country enjoy the sport and the country’s golf turfs but also get to explore and experience the county’s different touristic destinations in the areas where the different highlighted golf clubs are found around the country.
“As one of the trends for the last decade around the world, growing investments in golf is for us an effort to increase the number of foreign visitors and enhance tourism revenue earned through this channel. Our promise to the union is single; we promise to support and encourage the golfers as they continue to promote destination Uganda, the pearl of Africa.”
Golf tourism brings in valuable revenue for host towns through the tourism value chain i.e. tour companies, hotel and accommodation service providers, restaurants and transport all get to benefit from the beautiful sport.
“While Mbale is going be our first stop on the 6th of April, the golfers and lovers of golf will have the opportunity to explore the beauty of this town. The Uganda Golf Open Tours are set to canvas nine different courses across Uganda for over six months and this will act as the tournament precursor for players. More importantly this will help revive upcountry golf venues.” Innocent Kihika president of the Uganda Golf Union.
“Golf is an experience. When one goes out of Kampala to play golf, you have to travel a day before. And then there is where to sleep, eat, then play, then eat, sleep and lounge. There is a lot beyond the course and here is why Uganda Tourism Board comes in.”