Coast

Boost for Coast tourism as Ladies European Tour Golf Tournament kicks off at Vipingo Ridge

Part of the action during the 2023 Magical Kenya Ladies Open at Vipingo Ridge. (Photo: Magical Kenya)

By Farhiya Hussein | Wednesday, February 7, 2024

The tournament highlights the coastal region's potential as a premier destination for sports enthusiasts.

The coastal region's tourism is set for a major boost as the Ladies European Tour Golf Tournament commences at the Vipingo Ridge, Kilifi County.

The tournament highlights the coastal region's potential as a premier destination for sports enthusiasts.

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Welcoming the group on Tuesday evening, Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro announced the participation of a Kilifi County team in the ProAm category.

“The European Ladies Golf Tournament is here with us again. This evening I joined participants, partners and spectators for the official opening of the Ladies European Tour,” he said.

“This important event signifies the beginning of the 2024 season. We have demonstrated immense enthusiasm for the advancement of sports tourism, and for the very first time, the Kilifi County Government is actively involved.”

Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro welcoming the European Ladies Golf Tournament team on February 6, 2024. (Photo: Kilifi County)

The event serves as a preparation for the upcoming Magical Kenya Ladies European Golf tournament, taking place this week at Vipingo Ridge from February 8 to February 11.

Nurture growth

Mung’aro lauded the continued collaborations which he notes aim to nurture the growth of the coast sports tourism industry and drive the success of the local athletes.

Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Shariff who was also in attendance for the Ladies European Tour opening, said the event was a big boost aimed at empowering local athletes and at the same time ensuring sports tourism is thriving.

“This marks the beginning of the 2024 season. I congratulate Governor Mungaro’s efforts to foster sports tourism. In this spirit of collaboration, the success of Kilifi is the success of Mombasa. I am proud of our close working relationship within the framework of the Jumuiya ya Kaunti za Pwani,” he said.

It is the fourth time that Kilifi County is hosting the event.

An aerial view of the golf course at Vipingo Ridge in Kilifi County. (Photo: Kilifi County)

“We are thrilled to be participating in this remarkable tournament for the first time and to have the opportunity to host it for the fourth time. This serves as a testament to the fact that Kilifi County truly represents the Kenyan Coast Riviera,” said Kilifi Deputy Governor Flora Chibule.

She noted it showcases the commitment to promoting ladies' golf, gender awareness, and sports tourism.

“We would like to express our gratitude to Magical Kenya for selecting Kilifi County as the host for this year's tournament series. We extend our warmest wishes to all participants and spectators during their time in Kilifi,” she added.

Earlier this month, the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Sports and Arts announced its sponsorship of the tournament.

“We are rolling out our revolutionary Sports Safari initiative to raise the profile of Kenya as a tourist destination,” said Sports CS Ababu Namwamba.