The Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) is leveraging this year’s Magical Kenya Open (MKO) to enhance the country’s global tourism appeal.
On Tuesday, KTB treated top international golfers to a safari at Nairobi National Park, showcasing Kenya’s unique wildlife and scenic beauty ahead of the tournament.
Brandon Wu, golfer from the United States, who joined the early morning game drive, described the experience as unforgettable.
“This has been an amazing experience, especially with the breathtaking sunrise. The beauty, the calmness of the landscapes, and the sight of animals in their natural habitat made it truly special,” said Wu.
He added, “Seeing lions up close and watching giraffes and zebras cross the road right in front of us was incredible. I feel so excited and blessed to be in Kenya to play golf. This is my first time in Africa, and just being here is amazing.”
KTB Chief Executive Officer June Chepkemei highlighted the importance of positioning Kenya as a premier golfing and sports tourism destination.
“We are keen to capitalize on this growing interest by leveraging the Magical Kenya Open. International players get to experience Kenya’s diverse tourism offerings, including today’s game drive at Nairobi National Park,” said Chepkemei.
She emphasized that immersing international visitors in Kenya’s tourism experiences cultivates lasting impressions and creates authentic brand ambassadors.
“These tailored experiences not only elevate Kenya’s profile as a leading golf destination but also allow players to share their experiences with fans and friends worldwide,” she added.
Chepkemei further noted that globally televised tournaments such as the Magical Kenya Open provide significant exposure for the country.
“We intend to capitalize on this spotlight by showcasing our first-class tourism offerings. Kenya’s unique landscapes, abundant wildlife, and rich culture make it a dream destination for travelers seeking adventure. We look forward to welcoming more visitors and sharing our treasures with the world.”
She reiterated the importance of strategic partnerships to maximize the tourism benefits of sporting events.
“We are working closely with the Ministry of Sports and other stakeholders to ensure these events leave a lasting impact. Recently, we engaged travel trade partners and sports industry stakeholders to explore ways of enhancing the tourism appeal of such events. We are excited about the tangible outcomes of these collaborations,” she remarked.
The Magical Kenya Open is set to take place from February 20–23 at Muthaiga Golf Club, Nairobi. The event will feature over 150 players from more than 30 countries, competing for a $2.5 million (Ksh 322.5 million) prize purse.
This prestigious tournament plays a crucial role in promoting Kenya as a world-class golfing and travel destination, targeting a global tourism market of approximately 9.1 million travelers, 10% of whom are traveling golfers.
Thirteen Kenyan professionals, including Dismas Indiza and Greg Snow, have qualified for the tournament. Notable international participants include Johannes Veerman (USA), Ángel Hidalgo (Spain), and defending champion Darius Van Driel (Netherlands).
