Beach rugby tournament boosts tourism in Kwale County

Kwale County's tourism sector is experiencing a significant upswing in the number of visitors, thanks to the ongoing rugby tournament that has attracted over 24 teams from various parts of Kenya and Tanzania.

The South Coast Fives tournament, now in its 13th edition, kicked off on Friday, drawing teams from as far as Tanzania and Kisumu, Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kwale in Kenya. 

Known as the largest beach rugby event in East Africa and the second largest on the continent, the tournament, which concluded today, continues to draw attention from national and international media.

This year's games were hosted at the Safari Beach Hotel in Diani, a popular coastal destination known for its pristine beaches and vibrant tourism offerings.

In an interview with the press, the Leopard Beach Hotel manager, Joan Ndung'u, expressed enthusiasm about leveraging sports tourism to diversify their services. 

"Events like these greatly support our destination, ensuring year-round business, which is crucial for resilience in the face of global threats impacting the tourism industry," Ndung'u remarked. 

Likoni Community Rugby team receives a trophy from Kenya Rugby Union Vice Chairman Moses Ndale at Safari Beach Hotel in Diani after they were crowned The 2024 South Coast Fives winners on Sunday, July 21, 2024. (Photo: Mishi Gongo)

She noted that most hotels in the area are currently operating at over 90 per cent occupancy, underscoring the resilience of tourism products in the region.

Local businesses along the Diani shoreline have also benefited from the influx of visitors attending the tournament.

"The event has brought a surge in foot traffic, boosting sales and visibility for our local businesses. It is not just about the players and spectators. It is about the entire community feeling the economic impact," said Ali Hassan, who runs a souvenir shop near the tournament venue.

Kenya Rugby Union Vice Chairman Moses Ndale said that touch rugby, the format featured in this tournament, differs from traditional rugby in that it is non-contact and played with five players rather than seven or 15. 

John Kiprop, a player from one of the Nairobi teams, added that the game is a fun and inclusive sport that appeals to a wide range of participants. 

"Even though it's not as intense as full-contact rugby, the competitive spirit is still very much alive," he added.

Residents also turned out in large numbers to support the event, creating a lively atmosphere around the Safari Beach Hotel.

"It's wonderful to see our community come together for such events," said Amina Said, a resident of Diani.

For Kwale County, events like the annual rugby tournament are more than just sporting occasions. They are opportunities to showcase the region's potential as a year-round tourism destination.

As the tournament wraps up, stakeholders are already looking forward to future events that will continue to boost the local economy and enhance Kwale's reputation as a premier tourism hub along Kenya's coast.

Likoni Rugby Community celebrates after winning the South Coast Fives rugby tournament in Kwale County on Sunday, July 21, 2024. (Photo: Mishi Gongo)