''Zone 6 Golf Championship set to boost tourism''

Mar 23, 2015

Uganda Tourism Board CEO Stephen Asiimwe believes the Zone 6 Africa Golf Championship that Uganda is set to host will boost tourism in the country.

By Michael Nsubuga

Uganda Tourism Board CEO Stephen Asiimwe believes the Zone 6 Africa Golf Championship that Uganda is set to host will boost tourism in the country.


President Yoweri Museveni will be the chief guest at the flag rising ceremony that sets in motion the Championship at Kitante.

Uganda Golf Union president Kiryowa Kiwanuka made the revelation during a press conference at the Sheraton Hotel on Monday, at which several sponsors were unveiled for the tournament due April 14-18.

"Golf and tourism are inseparable, when a golfer visits he does not only play but also takes the opportunity to explore the country, so the Zone 6 provides us an opportunity to show case what Uganda has on offer," Asiimwe said.

He said UTB was planning to promote the sport as a domestic and regional activity and promote hospitable facilities around the golf courses so that besides golf tourists can enjoy other tourist attractions, hence creating more business opportunities and boosting the economy.

Ten countries including Uganda and defending champions South Africa will compete in the 20th edition Africa's premium golf event.

Other countries that have confirmed participation include Kenya, Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Zambia, Swaziland and Zimbabwe.

"This tournament is about tourism and hospitality so we have lined up sponsors that will ensure it is successful," Kiwanuka said.

The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of Scotland has offered the UGU 28,000 pounds, Sheraton Hotel will provide accommodation and meals to all the teams valued at sh150m, while the Uganda Tourism Board has offered sh20m on top of other services to the visiting teams.

Other sponsors AAR, Uganda Breweries and NTV will provide medical services, drinks and dress up the Ugandan team respectively.

"We encourage many more corporates to come and support this event. Our team of ten players is already preparing for the event and we hope they will be able to put on a good show," Kiwanuka added.

Apart from the participating nations, delegates from the R&A, Africa Golf Confederation and presidents of participating unions will also grace the four-day event.

R&A delegate Tony Rocke will conduct a level-1 training for golf prior to the event to build capacity of the officials.

Tournament director Innocent Kihiika said the tournament will start with an official practice round on Wednesday, before the singles, doubles, foursomes thereafter and end with another singles round on Saturday.

Sheraton Managing Director Ian Duncan said their sponsorship was just the beginning of many more towards development of sport in the country.

South Africa are the record winners of the championship with 15 victories since 1999 in Africa's flagship event.

RELATED STORIES:

Uganda ready for Zone 6 championships

 

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});