{"id":30491,"date":"2022-11-29T14:17:26","date_gmt":"2022-11-29T14:17:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/all-news\/why-golf-has-a-place-in-rwandas-tourism"},"modified":"2022-11-29T14:49:07","modified_gmt":"2022-11-29T14:49:07","slug":"why-golf-has-a-place-in-rwandas-tourism","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/sport\/why-golf-has-a-place-in-rwandas-tourism","title":{"rendered":"Why golf has a place in Rwanda’s tourism"},"content":{"rendered":"

Africa-Press – Rwanda. <\/strong><\/span>Golf as a sport is an important avenue for tourism as it deals with conservation of the environment, according to Nadia Keza, board member of Rwanda Chamber of Tourism.<\/p>\n

She therefore insists that golf has a place in the 2022 Rwanda Tourism Week celebrations, \u2018because tourism and golf go hand in hand.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u201cThey move hand in hand as golf is played in a natural environment, and the conservation of the environment is a means of attracting tourists,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

Keza, who also doubles as Chairperson of Rwanda Tour and Travel Association, was speaking during the Golf for Conservation event held Sunday, November 27 at Kigali Golf Club and Villas.<\/p>\n

Golfers at the inauguration of the first edition of Golf for Conservation on Sunday November 27.<\/p>\n

The competition revolves around networking, promoting sport tourism and conservation.<\/p>\n

The event is part of the activities the Tourism Chamber lined up for the Rwanda Tourism Week celebrations, as an occasion to highlight the role of golf in the country\u2019s tourism, conservation.<\/p>\n

The Rwanda Tourism Week was organised by Rwanda Chamber of Tourism with support from Rwanda Development Board, African Tourism Board, Rwanda Convention Bureau, East Africa Tourism Platform, Rwanda Eco Tourism and Adventure.<\/p>\n

Celebrated under the theme \u201cAdapting Innovative Approaches to Boost Intra-Africa travel as a drive for Tourism Business Recovery,\u201d the week attracts key players in the tourism and hospitality industry.<\/p>\n

For the first time, golf as a sport, featured in activities lined up to celebrate the Rwanda Tourism Week, something Elysee Confiance, the Tourism Chamber\u2019s Digital Marketing Specialist, said is a good step in the right direction for tourism.<\/p>\n

\u201cAfter the coronavirus pandemic, efforts are being made to revive the tourism industry. And golf, as a sport in Rwanda which attracts many foreign visitors, had to be added to the tourism week celebration because it is worth it,\u201d he told The New Times in an interview.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is very good for both the sports and tourism industry since golf is a game patronised by many expatriates. Golf is actually one of the many reasons people from other countries visit Rwanda,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n

Golf for Conservation is an occasion to highlight the role of golf in the country\u2019s tourism and<\/p>\n

conservation.<\/p>\n

John Bosco Kiyitana, Vice Chairman of the Rwanda Safari Guard Association, mentioned that Golf thrives in an ecosystem environment, and that in the near future, the Akagera National Park could have a Golf Club which will further boost sports tourism.<\/p>\n

Yves Ngenzi, Head of Strategic Programs and Coordinator of the East Africa Tourism Platform, emphasised that tourism is an important avenue which is helping the growth of Rwanda as a country, noting that the sector contributes 10 per cent of the country\u2019s GDP.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe importance of tourism to the growth of Rwanda\u2019s economy cannot be emphasised. It is the leading foreign exchange earner for the country, and all of this shows why tourism is important in the country. In terms of job creation, tourism employs over 160,000 people in Rwanda,\u201d Ngenzi added.<\/p>\n

Officials pose for a picture after launching the first edition of Golf for Conservation on Sunday November 27. Courtesy<\/p>\n

The competition revolves around networking , promoting sport tourism and promoting conservation. Courtesy.<\/p>\n\r\n