Home » TRAVEL NEWS » Cross River Expands Tourism Focus With Golf And Business Event In Calabar
Published on
October 27, 2025
Organised at the Calabar Golf Club, the recent Governor’s Golf and Business Tournament in Calabar, as part of the Cross River State Government’s renewed efforts to promote sports tourism, targetted in particular, sports tourism. Peppered with numerous business and leisure activities surrounding the game of golf, the state is poised to emerge as the foremost hub for sports tourism in Africa, and Governor Bassey Otu is determined to make that a reality. This in turn portrays Calabar’s image as a prime destination for sporting and business activities.
Participants came from as far away as Abuja, Ibadan, Port Harcourt, Uyo, Abakaliki and a few others to join the golf tournament. The aim of bringing together these golfers with business investors was to create an environment that promotes leisure, networking and integration, and to provide the investors with an opportunity to experience the business environment of Cross River State while playing golf.
Reviving Calabar’s Tourism through Golf
Cross River State is increasingly reclaiming its reputation as one of the prime tourism destinations in Africa. The state’s vast tourism offerings, including its culture, festivals, and stunning natural landscapes, make it a compelling location for visitors seeking both relaxation and adventure. The Governor’s Golf and Business Tournament align with the state’s broader vision to showcase not only its natural beauty but also its sporting facilities, particularly in golf.
Golf, in particular, is being highlighted as an ideal sport with strong potential to attract both tourists and investors. With its picturesque landscapes and well-maintained sports facilities, Cross River presents a unique environment for those seeking both recreation and business opportunities. As more international visitors are drawn to the state for leisure, the tourism sector is expected to experience significant growth, especially in areas related to sports tourism.
The Economic Impact of Sports Tourism
The Governor’s Golf and Business Tournament in Calabar provides a significant opportunity for economic growth, with the event drawing participants from across the country. The influx of golfers, many of whom are influential business leaders, directly benefits the local economy. As attendees stay in local hotels, dine at local restaurants, and participate in various tourism activities, they contribute to the state’s economic development.
The event serves as a reminder of the potential of sports tourism to catalyse broader economic opportunities. Beyond the immediate boost to the hospitality industry, the tournament has the potential to pave the way for long-term investments in tourism infrastructure, including the development of new leisure attractions, hotel facilities, and sports-related services. As the state continues to prioritise tourism, efforts are underway to expand these opportunities for both domestic and international visitors.
The Role of Golf in Tourism and Business Growth
An important element of the Governor’s Golf and Business Tournament is its role in creating meaningful connections between the business community and the tourism industry. The tournament not only showcased the sporting excellence of participants but also highlighted the significant opportunities for investment and business development in Calabar. The state’s well-maintained golf courses are positioned as valuable assets in the tourism landscape, and the event served as a platform to promote these courses to a wider audience.
Cross River’s golf courses, particularly the Calabar Golf Course, are considered among the finest in the country. The course, which has a rich history, remains a key attraction for both professional golfers and tourists. In addition to the competition itself, the event serves to underscore the importance of golf as a catalyst for both business and leisure tourism. By bringing together captains of industry and investors, the tournament is an important step in promoting Cross River as a desirable destination for both tourism and business ventures.
Calabar’s Continued Commitment to Sports and Tourism
The state has shown passion for sports tourism not only in its activities, but also in the infrastructure and facilities that it continues to develop. Integrated within the state’s tourism development strategy, the government aims to develop sports tourism, and the state aims to develop itself as a sports tournament hosting center in Africa. With the development and hosting of all levels of sports, the state has positioned itself to gain leadership in the African sports tourism market.
The governor’s business and golf tournament in Calabar is a good example for the development of sports tourism in Cross River State. His Excellency’s commitment to development of golf and other sporting activities to improve the economy is commendable. Cross River himelf is already a center of sports tourism business for Africa. Other upcoming events that integrate business and relaxation make the vision of Cross River as a sports tourism hub for Africa a reality.
