Zanzibar Taps Golf Tourism Ahead of AFCON 2027
ZANZIBAR, Monday
Zanzibar is turning to golf to broaden its tourism appeal as Tanzania prepares to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The call came from Yasser De Costa, Chairperson of the Advisory Board of the Zanzibar Roads Agency (ZANROADS), during the 2026 CEOs Luxury Retreat Golf Tournament at Sea Cliff Resort & Spa Golf Club on Saturday, September 26.
De Costa, who was the chief guest at the tournament’s opening, said AFCON 2027 would provide an opportunity to promote Zanzibar’s attractions while encouraging visiting football fans to explore the island’s golf and wider tourism offerings.
He encouraged participants and international visitors to share their experiences of Zanzibar and highlight the island's natural attractions, tourism facilities and ongoing investment in sports infrastructure.
“Next year, during AFCON 2027, our visitors will also have an opportunity to play golf at the Sea Cliff Resort & Spa golf course,” De Costa said.
He also praised the efforts being made to improve sports facilities and infrastructure in preparation for the continental tournament, urging visitors to become ambassadors for Zanzibar when they return to their respective countries.
The CEOs Luxury Retreat brought together more than 80 participants, including chief executive officers, diplomats, business executives and golf enthusiasts from Tanzania Mainland, Zanzibar, Kenya, Uganda, Zambia, Malawi, Burundi, South Africa and Nigeria.
Beyond the competition itself, the tournament provided a platform for business networking and interaction, reinforcing the connection between sport, tourism and investment.
De Costa said such events demonstrate how golf can contribute to Zanzibar's efforts to attract visitors while creating opportunities for business leaders from across the region to interact.
“Zanzibar and Tanzania Mainland will be delighted to welcome visitors, including those who want to enjoy golf,” he said.
He singled out Sea Cliff Zanzibar as an important part of the island's hospitality and golf offering, noting that the resort has accommodation and golfing facilities capable of serving visitors during major international events.
De Costa also used the occasion to encourage more Tanzanians, particularly young people, to participate in golf.
He said Sea Cliff provides free golf training for children below the age of 18, describing the initiative as an opportunity to develop future players who could compete internationally and represent Tanzania.
“ Sea Cliff also provides an opportunity for young people under the age of 18 to learn golf free of charge, so that eventually they can represent and fly the Tanzanian flag abroad,” he said.
According to De Costa, Zanzibar's relationship with golf stretches back more than a century.
He said the sport was being played on the island as early as 1890 at the Maisara grounds, near the area that is now associated with Mnazi Mmoja in Zanzibar Town, where a British club was based.
He commended Sea Cliff Zanzibar for contributing to the preservation and continued development of the island's golfing tradition through the maintenance and operation of its nine-hole course.
The tournament ended with Kenyan golfers taking the overall men's and women's titles in the 18-hole Stableford competition.
Thomas Mwangi emerged as the overall men's winner after recording 40 points, while Caroline Muigai claimed the women's title with 41 points.
The event was organised by the host club and supported by Vodacom Tanzania PCL as the main sponsor, alongside EXIM Bank, MMI Steel Mills, Villa Kiva, R.K. Sadricko, AMREF Flying Doctors, Flying Doctors, United Petroleum, Tanzania Breweries, White Sands Resort and Conference Centre, Sea Cliff Resort & Spa, Auric Air, Kenya Airways, Park Hyatt Zanzibar, Rupa's Gift Centre, Zanzi Resort, Multi-Color Printers, ZMMI, Zanzibar Serena Hotel, ASKB, Esoma and Azam Marine.
