Golf's role in driving sports tourism and economy in South Africa

THE tourism and hospitality sector have praised the sport of golf in boosting the economy and bringing international tourists to KZN and South Africa.

- YOGASHEN PILLAY

This comes after golfing legends Ernie Els and Retief Goosen were invited as part of President Cyril Ramaphosa's delegation to meet US President Donald Trump at the Oval Office in Washington on Wednesday.

Rosemary Anderson, national chairperson of the Federated Hospitality Association of South Africa (Fedhasa), said on Friday that golf was a powerful driver of tourism and hospitality, especially in South Africa where we boast some of the world's most scenic and high-quality golf courses.

"From the Garden Route to the highveld, South Africa offers championship-standard courses at a fraction of the cost compared to those in Europe, North America or China," Anderson said.

"This combination of affordability and excellence is an untapped opportunity in the international market, which could be better leveraged to grow inbound tourism. SA Tourism should be targeting this untapped market with vigour." Anderson added that sport tourism was a significant economic booster.