Caption: PM Bainimarama signs the MOU for the Fiji International with PGA Australia, CEO, Brian Thorburn.
Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama today announced plans to stage Fiji’s largest and most prestigious sporting event – the Fiji International.
Making the announcement alongside the Professional Golfers Association of Australia, PM Bainimarama said that the signing of the MOU is a significant moment for Fiji because it demonstrates that the PGA has faith in Fiji’s ability to host a major sporting tournament.
“Faith in our infrastructure. Faith in our economy. And faith in our people,” PM Bainimarama said.
“As one of the world’s most popular sports, golf is a major niche tourism market with huge growth potential in Fiji, poised to take advantage of the game’s rapidly growing popularity in Asia.
“That’s why we’re so excited that the PGA is coming here. A PGA golf tournament is a major international event of the highest caliber, attracting some of the game’s best professionals.”
The head of government added that although Fiji has long offered some of the best golf courses in the region, both to our visitors and to our golfers, the Fiji International will rightfully establish it as one of the world’s top golfing destinations.
“With a potential broadcast reach to more than 400 million people across 40 countries, the tournament will showcase Fiji as a must-visit golf and tourist location in countless homes around the globe,” PM Bainimarama said.
“This is very good news for our Tourism Industry. And this is very good news for our economy.
“Indeed, we expect the tournament to lead directly to a multi-million dollar boost for Fiji, with many additional flow-on benefits.
The Prime Minister also pointed out that one of the benefits of the Fiji International is the increase in value of the Fiji National Provident Fund owned land in Natadola.
PM Bainimarama has also urged Fijians to be proud of the Fiji Internal PGA tournament as it will be a fantastic avenue to promote our beautiful nation and show the world what we have to offer.
Chief Executive Officer of PGA Australia, Brian Thorburn said that the Fiji International presents an opportunity for Fiji to claim a position as one of the world’s greatest golf destinations.
MINFO