Fiji International presented by Fiji Airways showing the world that Fiji is open for business
Now in its fourth year the Fiji International presented by Fiji Airways provides one of Fiji’s most unique and enviable tourism opportunities.
With golf tourism increasing in the global market, this year’s world class golf tournament to be held at Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course from 2-5 August, is a significant opportunity for Fiji to continue to capitalise on an increasing and affluent travel market.
The Fiji International presented by Fiji Airways is expected to produce a multi-million dollar boost for the Fijian economy, in addition to flow on benefits including the growth of the game in the region.
“Golf tourism is a growing international market and Fiji is well positioned to share in this growth,” said Natalie Ritter, General Manager – Tournament Operations of the PGA of Australia.
“The first two Fiji International presented by Fiji Airways tournaments have opened the world’s eye to Fiji as a golfing destination and already golf rounds have increased in Fiji.”
“However we are continually looking at ways to work with tournament stakeholders and the wider tourism industry to ensure the tournament continues to deliver widespread benefits.”
The inaugural Fiji International presented by Fiji Airways in 2014 signalled Fiji’s official arrival onto the global golfing stage, with the Fijian Government, Fijian Tourism and Fiji’s number one player, Vijay Singh, all making a push to put their country on the lucrative world golfing map.
In 2015, the Fiji International presented by Fiji Airways established a reputation amongst the world’s best golfers as a must-attend event for themselves and their families.
Last year, the Fiji International presented by Fiji Airways, became co-sanctioned by the ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia and European Tour, to expand its global presence and confirm its position as an integral tournament in the South Pacific region.
Following the devastation of Cyclone Winston, the Fiji International presented by Fiji Airways’s global reach is even more integral as Fiji shows the world that it is stronger than Winston.
“By co-sanctioning the Fiji International presented by Fiji Airways with the European Tour the exposure for the tournament will be significantly boosted. We are anticipating that 400 million homes around the world will watch the Fiji International presented by Fiji Airways,” added Ritter.
“The impact of Cyclone Winston on Fiji was felt around the world. But Fiji is strong, it has recovered and now it’s time to show that Fiji is open for business, that Winston can’t keep this beautiful country down. That is what we will communicate to the world through the Fiji International presented by Fiji Airways.”
Why is golf so important to Fiji?
Attracting some of the best Professional golfers from all over the world, the Fiji International presented by Fiji Airways will be broadcast to close to 400 million homes around the world. Golf fans around the globe including the important Asian, North American and Australian markets, will witness the beauty of Fiji as the Fiji International presented by Fiji Airways is broadcast live for 20 hours this year.
With golf tourism on the increase, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region, this is a great opportunity for Fiji to promote itself as a world-class golf tourism destination, attracting even more visitors to the country each year.
Did you know?
- Worldwide golf holiday sales by golf tour operators have grown by more than 20%
- Golf delivers an affluent market with capacity to spend
- Golf is the most played recreational sport in the world
- Golf is Asia’s largest participation sport – 15 million people play golf in Japan and 8 million play in Korea
- Golf is China’s number 1 participation sport
The Fiji International presented by Fiji Airways will be played at Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course from 2-5 August.
For more information on travelling to Fiji, please visit www.fiji.travel.