Top tourism operators partner to support ISPS Handa Open

Media Release from ISPS Handa New Zealand Open

November 24 2016

Queenstown’s top tourism operators partner to support ISPS Handa New Zealand Open

Four iconic New Zealand tourism operators are joining forces to support the country’s leading golf event, the ISPS Handa New Zealand Open.

Coronet Peak, Real Journeys, Eichardt’s Hotel and Shotover Jet are collectively partnering as a new entity called the Queenstown Group to become a major sponsor of next year’s golf tournament (March 9–12 2017)*

The four partners want to showcase the wide range of tourism opportunities in Queenstown and forge a strong link between golf tourism and other experiences on offer in the multi-award-winning resort town. The Queenstown Group is supporting the tournament alongside event owners, the Ishii family at Millbrook Resort, which is the home of the open in 2017.

News of the sponsorship comes as tickets for the event go on sale tomorrow (Friday November 25) at www.ticketek.co.nz/nzopen orwww.nzopen.co.nz. Tickets have remained the same price as the 2016 event, from $25 for a day pass and $60 for a four-day pass.

Ticket buyers will all go in the draw to win a fantastic prize package from the Queenstown Group, including two tickets on Shotover Jet, ski equipment, day passes and lessons for two at Coronet Peak, a BBQ dinner for two at the Colonel’s Homestead Restaurant at Walter Peak, two passes to The Champions Lounge at the Open on the Thursday and Friday, and a two-night accommodation package at Eichardt’s including breakfast and cocktails.

Repeatedly voted one of the top destinations in the world, Queenstown is a four-season tourism destination with something for everyone, and the businesses all believe the hugely successful and iconic golf event helps cement that hard-earned reputation.

The Queenstown partnership is a ‘first’ for the ISPS Handa New Zealand Open and has been warmly welcomed by Tournament Chairman John Hart.

“It is especially exciting to have four of Queenstown’s most long-standing and successful tourism companies, all of them recognised around the world by the many visitors to this region, supporting next year’s tournament,” he said.

“This is one of New Zealand’s premier sporting events that delivers unique experiences, so it’s important for us to have support at this level from within the community in which we operate.

“We’re very proud that these four tourism operators are supportive of our efforts to continue to bring this world-class event to Queenstown and help us showcase what this region has to offer.

“We’re all aware that Tourism New Zealand recognises the growing significance of golf tourism to the country, so I welcome this unique partnership.”

Following on from a five-year sponsorship of the New Zealand Open, Milford Track is handing over the reins to NZSki’s Coronet Peak. Trojan Holdings director Mike Davies said he was “thrilled” for the local mountain to be involved with this major sporting event.

“As a leading tour operator here in Queenstown, we feel that the tournament offers Coronet Peak great exposure to Asian and Australian markets,” said Mr Davies.

“It’s fantastic to introduce local Queenstown brands to the tournament, to help showcase New Zealand as a beautiful destination.”

Real Journeys CEO Richard Lauder said the ISPS Handa New Zealand Open showed the golfing world and potential visitors to the resort town that Queenstown boasted “outstanding” golf courses with superb scenery.

“As a group we want to communicate that Queenstown is an all-season destination with world-class accommodation, attractions and activities,” he said.

Eichardt’s Hotel General Manager James Cavanagh said the hotel was “delighted to join fellow Queenstown brands” supporting the event.

“We know that golf is a major drawcard for travellers to Queenstown,” he said. “Eichardt’s and our newly opened The Grille restaurant are the premier accommodation and dining destinations on Queenstown’s lakefront, so we see this as a unique opportunity to showcase our product to players, partners and visitors, standing alongside the best in Queenstown.”

Ngāi Tahu Tourism Southern Region General Manager David Kennedy said Shotover Jet was pleased to support the ISPS Handa New Zealand Open because it helped showcase “this beautiful area”.

“It’s a great opportunity to host international visitors and give them a taste of the memorable experiences they can enjoy in Aotearoa New Zealand,” he said.

“We believe it’s important for local organisations to show ‘kotahitanga’ in support of Queenstown as an outstanding place to visit, and we know this great event is broadcast to Asia and Australia and they’re key markets for us.

“We’re delighted to work with other Queenstown partners to be a part of this tourism initiative, and share our Ngāi Tahu and Aotearoa story with the world.”

In addition to the new Queenstown Group, major sponsors include OJI Holdings Corporation, Poongsan, Sumitomo Forestry, Danu International Ltd, Rebel Sport and Diners Club International.

*The ISPS Handa New Zealand Open is a million dollar Tier One event on the PGA Tour of Australasia, in partnership with the Japan Golf Tour. The 2017 event will be played in Queenstown at Millbrook Resort and The Hills on March 9 to 12 2017.

For further information, latest updates and to book tickets go to www.www.nzopen.co.nz

ENDS

About the ISPS Handa New Zealand Open

• The tournament is a sanctioned Tier One event on the ISPS Handa PGA Tour of Australasia

• A professional field of 144 players will play the first two rounds alternately at Millbrook Resort and The Hills before the second round cut of 60 + ties

• The final two rounds of the championship will be played at Millbrook Resort

• The ISPS Handa New Zealand Open Champion will be the leading player after 72 holes of stroke play

• The tournament also hosts 144 amateur players, each partnering with a Professional in a two-man best-ball event, competing for the ISPS Handa NZ Pro-Am Championship

Follow developments for the ISPS Handa New Zealand Open:

www.nzopen.co.nz Facebook: NZ Open @NZOpenGolf #NZOpen @ISPSGolf

About ISPS Handa:

International Sports Promotion Society (known as ISPS or as ISPS Handa) is a corporation designed to carry out activities contributing to social welfare and international co-operation through the promotion of sports and sports values. Founder Dr Haruhisa Handa is known as ‘The Father ofBlind Golf in Japan’ due to the leading role he played in introducing the game of blind golf to the country.

ISPS Handa has a long history of supporting golf events around the globe, sponsoring tournaments on almost every major golf tour including the European Tour, PGA Tour, European Senior Tour, Asian Tour, Legends Tour, LPGA, Ladies European Tour, Japan PGA, Sunshine Tour, Golf Australia and the Australasian PGA.

ISPS Handa has expanded to advocate for the recognition of differently-abled golfers, such as wounded veterans, in addition to blind golf. ISPS Handa offers training academies and inclusion opportunities in co-operation with some of golf’s most prestigious events.

ISPS Handa is a strong advocate for the ‘power of sport’ and its ability to create hope, to inspire people, and transform society. It is this conviction that has been the backbone of ISPS 's dedication to providing opportunities for blind and disabled golfers worldwide, with the long-term aim of enabling golf to become a Paralympic sport.

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