The InterContinental Hotel Group, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has put their support behind the inaugural Fiji International golf tournament.
Announced today in Suva, the InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa will be recognised as a Gold Sponsor and Official Resort of the Fiji International, which will tee off at Natadola Bay from August 14-17 2014.
The luxury beach resort, which neighbours the golf course, provides significant major sponsorship for the new PGA Tour of Australasia and OneAsia tournament; a partnership that will complement InterContinental Fiji’s strategic objective to attract key tourism markets from not only Australia and New Zealand, but also throughout Asia and the United States.
With the tournament to be broadcast to over 400 million homes worldwide, Matt Porm, Head of Commercial for the Fiji International for SEL, says the partnership will provide great opportunities for both parties.
“The Fiji International will deliver significant benefits to the InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa,” said Porm in Suva today.
“As the home of the Fiji International, we look forward to working with InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa to ensure this is a must-visit destination for golf travellers from all around the world.”
Porm said that unlike traditional sporting events, the Fiji International is unique in that is offers sponsors year-round benefits, relevant well beyond the tournament week.
“Golf tourism is an emerging market with over 20 per cent growth in the last two years alone, and with further growth forecast for 2014,” he said.
“Tapping in to the international golf market is important for Fiji’s wider Tourism strategy and the InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa understands the significant potential of this tournament.”
The announcement comes as InterContinental Fiji welcomes the arrival of its new General Manager Erik Stuebe who says the resort is looking forward to showcasing its hospitality to players and VIPs, including Vijay Singh.
“As the biggest sporting event Fiji has ever seen, the Fiji International will not only bolster Fiji’s existing tourism industry, but shape the nation’s profile as a world-class golfing destination – locally, an untapped market to date,” said Mr Stuebe.
“We proudly support the 2014 Fiji International and ultimately the people of Fiji through the immeasurable benefits it will provide.”
Late last year the InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa received international recognition at the World Travel Awards in Dubai when it was named as Australasia’s Leading Golf Resort for 2013.
In taking out the award, the InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa beat highly respectable regional competition including Bonville Golf Resort and Quay West Magenta Shores in Australia, Kauri Cliffs and Millbrook in New Zealand, Moorea Golf Resort in Polynésie Français and The Westin Denarau Island Resort and Spa, also in Fiji.