A New Frontier for Tourism and Travel
The projected $9-billion growth of the global golf tourism market over the next four years presents a significant opportunity for Africa to bolster its position as the preferred destination for golf travel and golf safaris.
With key players like Ascot Tours leading the charge, and countries like South Africa, Morocco, Rwanda, Kenya and Uganda making strategic investments in golf infrastructure, the continent is well set to capitalise on the upward trend.
A newly released report by Technavio states factors such as the proliferation of golf courses, upscale resort facilities and diverse leisure activities are fueling market expansion. Outdoor exploration, including safaris and heritage tours, further enhances the allure of golf tourism.
More than 61 million adults worldwide (excluding the USA and Mexico) engage with golf in some format according to the latest Global Golf Participation Report by the prestigious R&A (Royal and Ancient Golf Club).
In Africa, the figure is 5.3 million. Outside of the continent, the figures are:
- Asia – 22.5 million
- Europe – 21.1 million
- Canada – 6.6 million
- Oceania – 3.9 million
- Central and South America – 1.8 million
This leaves nearly 56 million prospective golf tourists, meaning the potential for Africa to grow as a premier golf tourism destination is immense. With over 800 golf courses and thanks to its ability to combine a sporting excursion with top-class safaris, the continent shouldn’t struggle to attract golf enthusiasts from across the world.
In Africa’s growing golf travel and safari market, Ascot Tours stands out as a key player, as highlighted in the Technavio report. Ascot Tours is the only African company mentioned, underscoring its significant role in the market’s expansion.
A closer look at five of Africa’s top golfing destinations provides some interesting statistics and information.
South Africa: Home to half of Africa’s golf courses, South Africa is a key player in the continent’s golf tourism market. The sport also contributes R49-billion to the country’s economy. The recent launch of the Southern Africa Tourism Services Association’s Golf Chapter aims to further promote golf tourism in the region.
Morocco: Awarded the Best African Golf Tourism Destination of the Year for 2024, Morocco has strategically prioritised golf tourism. Studies by the Moroccan National Tourism Office reveal golf tourists spend up to three times more than leisure tourists.
Uganda: The Uganda Tourism Board and the Uganda Golf Union have collaborated to promote the country as a top golf tourism destination. Unique attractions near golf courses, such as the Jinja Golf Course near the source of the Nile and the Entebbe Golf Course near Lake Victoria, offer golfers additional tourist experiences.
Kenya: Boasting more than 40 world-class courses, Kenya has cemented its position as a top golfing destination in Africa. The country was named the continent’s Best Golf Destination in 2020 thanks to a multi-million shilling investment in the sport and aggressive marketing.
Rwanda: The Kigali Golf Resort & Villas, featuring a championship course designed by Gary Player Design, is a testament to Rwanda’s commitment to growing golf tourism. This development aims to attract new faces to the sport in the country.
Maybe it’s best to end this article about Africa’s unique offerings as a sought-after destination for golfers with the words of Gary Player himself, the man whose company was responsible for Rwanda’s latest golf attraction. “I have spent my career trying to grow the game on a global scale … I hope the course will bring new faces to the game in Rwanda.”
