Yasser De Costa, Chairperson of the Advisory Board of the Zanzibar Roads Agency (ZANROADS), has called on golfers to promote Zanzibar as a tourism destination ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). He made the statement during the 2026 CEOs Luxury Retreat Golf Tournament held at the Sea Cliff Resort & Spa Golf Club in Zanzibar. The tournament provided an opportunity for visitors to experience Zanzibar's tourism attractions while witnessing preparations for the 2027 continental football tournament.
The 2026 CEOs Luxury Retreat tournament brought together over 80 golfers, including chief executive officers, diplomats, business leaders, and golf enthusiasts from Tanzania Mainland, Zanzibar, Kenya, Uganda, Zambia, Malawi, Burundi, South Africa, and Nigeria. The event combined competitive golf with business networking, which De Costa believes is essential in promoting Zanzibar as a tourism destination. He encouraged visitors to be ambassadors for the islands, promoting its natural beauty and the progress being made by Zanzibar President Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi in improving sports facilities and infrastructure ahead of AFCON 2027.
De Costa highlighted that the Sea Cliff Resort & Spa golf course would be open to visitors during AFCON 2027, providing an opportunity for them to play golf while enjoying the island's attractions. He emphasized the importance of Tanzanians, particularly young people, taking an interest in golf. The Sea Cliff Zanzibar offers free golf lessons to young people under 18, allowing them to develop their skills and potentially represent Tanzania abroad.
The history of golf in Zanzibar dates back to 1890, when the sport was played at the Maisara grounds near the present-day Mnazi Mmoja area in Zanzibar Town. De Costa praised Sea Cliff Zanzibar for preserving and developing the island's golfing heritage by maintaining its nine-hole golf course. The resort has demonstrated its capacity to host visitors and provide accommodation and golfing facilities, making it well-positioned to welcome guests during AFCON 2027.
The 2026 CEOs Luxury Retreat Golf Tournament saw Thomas Mwangi from Kenya claim the overall men's title, while Caroline Muigai won the overall ladies' category. Mwangi finished with 40 points, and Muigai topped the ladies' standings with 41 points in the 18-hole Stableford competition. The tournament provided a platform for golfers to compete, network, and interact with business leaders and diplomats.
De Costa emphasized that Zanzibar and Tanzania Mainland are ready to welcome visitors, including those interested in golf, during AFCON 2027. He encouraged visitors to promote Zanzibar's beauty and preparations for the tournament, highlighting the island's potential as a tourism destination. By combining golf with business networking, the tournament has showcased Zanzibar's capabilities in hosting international events.
The call to promote Zanzibar ahead of AFCON 2027 is part of the country's efforts to showcase its tourism attractions and sports infrastructure. With its rich history, natural beauty, and improving sports facilities, Zanzibar is poised to welcome visitors from across the continent and beyond. As the 2027 tournament approaches, the island's golfing heritage and tourism industry are expected to play a significant role in promoting Tanzania as a host nation.
Key points
- - Zanzibar's Advisory Board chairperson Yasser De Costa urges golfers to promote the island as a tourism destination ahead of AFCON 2027. - The 2026 CEOs Luxury Retreat Golf Tournament showcased Zanzibar's golfing heritage and tourism attractions, attracting visitors from across Africa. - The Sea Cliff Resort & Spa golf course will be open to visitors during AFCON 2027, providing an opportunity for them to play golf while enjoying the island's attractions.
