The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) has unveiled plans to host an annual golf tournament, named the Visit Rwanda Golf Challenge, aimed at attracting players from all corners of the globe.
The announcement was made during the inaugural Visit Rwanda Golf Challenge award ceremony that took place in Kigali on December 7. The event saw a participation of over 204 golfers of various nationalities from Africa, Europe, and Asia.
Francis Gatare, CEO of the RDB, stressed the significance of the Golf resort and villa to Rwanda’s appeal, emphasising how it boosts sports tourism and enhances the country’s reputation as a preferred investment destination.
“While sports tourism is a relatively small sector, its growth is undeniable. Events like the Visit Rwanda Golf Challenge will continue to stimulate its expansion,” Gatare said. “We aim to make this an annual event and provide more opportunities for all sponsors and partners to participate, display talents, and promote products.”
The tournament featured an 18-hole golf challenge at the newly constructed Kigali Golf Resort and Villas golf course, financed by the Rwanda Social Security Board (RSSB). The golf course, spanning 6,595 meters, boasts modern greens, fairways, state-of-the-art equipment, and structures.
Andrew Kulayige, Club Captain, highlighted the cultural shift towards golf in Rwanda, stating, “Golf in Rwanda is now a lifestyle. Attracting more women to the sport is a step towards success.”
Rwanda’s concerted efforts to promote sports tourism and international participation in the Visit Rwanda Golf Challenge signifies an ambitious move to position itself as a prime destination for sports and leisure activities.
