Yasser De Costa, Chairperson of the Zanzibar Roads Agency's Advisory Board, urged golfers to act as ambassadors for Zanzibar during the 2026 CEOs Luxury Retreat Golf Tournament at Sea Cliff Resort & Spa Golf Club. The event, held over the weekend, coincided with preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), with De Costa emphasizing that visitors could experience Zanzibar's tourism offerings while observing infrastructure developments. 'Next year, during AFCON 2027, our visitors will also have an opportunity to play golf at the Sea Cliff Resort & Spa golf course,' he stated, calling on attendees to promote the islands' natural beauty and progress under President Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi's leadership.
The tournament, which attracted over 80 participants including CEOs, diplomats, and business leaders from Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Zambia, Malawi, Burundi, South Africa, and Nigeria, served as a platform to showcase Zanzibar's dual appeal as a golf destination and a host for major sporting events. De Costa highlighted the synergy between competitive golf and business networking, noting that Sea Cliff Resort had demonstrated its capacity to accommodate visitors and provide world-class facilities. 'Zanzibar and Tanzania Mainland are ready to welcome visitors, including those who want to enjoy golf,' he said, underscoring the resort's readiness to host AFCON 2027 guests.
De Costa also emphasized the importance of expanding golf participation among Tanzanians, particularly youth, citing Sea Cliff's initiative to offer free golf lessons to those under 18. 'Eventually, they can represent and fly the Tanzanian flag abroad,' he said. He noted Zanzibar's long golfing heritage, dating back to 1890 when the sport was played at Maisara grounds, and praised Sea Cliff for preserving this legacy through its nine-hole course. The 2026 tournament saw Kenyan golfers Thomas Mwangi (40 points) and Caroline Muigai (41 points) claim top honors in the 18-hole Stableford competition.
The call to promote Zanzibar aligns with broader efforts to position the archipelago as a premier tourist and sporting destination. With AFCON 2027 set to bring international attention, local leaders are leveraging high-profile events like the CEOs Luxury Retreat to highlight infrastructure improvements and cultural assets. De Costa's appeal reflects a strategic push to ensure that Zanzibar's unique identity and sporting capabilities are showcased on a global stage, reinforcing its role as a key player in Tanzania's regional and continental ambitions.