Kenya hopes to cash in on international golfers to market the country's tourism attractions, according to the Kenya Tourism Board chief executive Betty Radier.
She said spin-off tours by golfers after tournaments have spiced up the sport and is quickly putting Kenya on the global map as a golf sporting destination.
“The prevailing all-weather season and other attributes such as connectivity from a golf course to a beach or a game drive have pulled golfers into the country,” said the CEO.
Radier spoke in Kisumu during a two-day golf tournament by Sunset Golf Society held at Nyanza Golf Club.
The event brought together golfers from the western region and Rwanda.
According to Mintel International Group Golf Tourism, golf travelers spend on average 2.5 times more than leisure tourists at a destination.
Further survey shows the average length of a trip of a domestic visitor is 3.6 days, whereas a golfer stays 4.6 days.
Overseas golf travelers stay minimum 7 nights according to a survey conducted by Golf Travel Consulting.
“Having a round of golf in the morning, and basking on one of our pristine and white sandy beaches in the same afternoon or having a morning game drive and in the mid-morning get the opportunity to tee off from the Northern to the southern hemisphere is all what make Kenya a magical golf sport destination,” said Radier
She said Kenya has continued to cement her position as a growing golf destination through the annual Magical Kenya Open that attracts participation of over 40 countries across the globe.
The KTB head said Kenya has made strides in the development of golf over the years a move, she says has placed the country as the best golfing destination in Africa.
Last year at the 7th Annual World Golf Awards Gala Ceremony held in Dubai, Kenya was named Africa's best golf destination ahead of South Africa, Egypt and Morocco.
The tournament's chairman James Ondigo said it has attracted interest in Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania is set for further growth.
Kisumu County governor Anyang' Nyong'o said there is need to improve golf facilities in the region to meet international standards.
He said Kisumu is prepared to host next year's Africities Summit in May.