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

Four of New Zealand leading 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 – which runs from 9th to 12th March 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 25th November).

Ticket buyers will all go in the draw to win a 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. 

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

Hart explained “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.

“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.

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

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

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 from 9th to 12th March 2017.

For further information go to www.www.nzopen.co.nz

Images: Millbrook Resort will host next year’s ISPS Handa New Zealand Open (top), backed by the new Queenstown Group (middle).

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