New Zealand golf resort wins top global award

The Farm at Cape Kidnappers has been named Golf Resort of the Year – Rest of the World.

The announcement was made at the International Golf Travel Market (IGTM) in Spain.

Tourism New Zealand’s director of marketing Andrew Fraser said the international success of The Farm at Cape Kidnappers would provide a significant boost to New Zealand’s profile as a golf destination.

"Tourism New Zealand recently commissioned work to review the potential for us to tap into the international golf tourism market.

"We know that golf tourism is a priority special interest sector due to the number of high-value travellers it attracts and its strong potential for growth.

"This work has indicated that New Zealand has both a world class golf tourism offering and the opportunity to do more with it," Fraser said.

He added: "The recommended approach is that we develop and market golf trails, where travellers can come to New Zealand on an itinerary that takes in a number of marquee courses alongside unique community and regional courses.

"In addition to golf, the trails will take travellers to some of New Zealand’s most unique tourism attractions and the best of our food, wine and accommodation offerings."

Tourism New Zealand plans to invest up to NZ$2 million over three years into the international marketing of New Zealand’s distinctive golf offer to potential visitors.

It is launching its first golf-focused, consumer marketing campaigns in the US on December 1 and a second campaign in Australia, in February.

The recent work has also led to the establishment of a new group, New Zealand Golf Tourism (NZGT), an industry advisory group that will explore alternative funding streams and support from the golf sector and other beneficiaries of golf tourism spend.

The strategy has identified clear markets and demographics that should be targeted including Australia, North America and China, and recommends the establishment of North and South Island Golf Trails.

2014 IAGTO AWARD WINNERS

IAGTO (International Association of Golf Tour Operators) is the global trade organisation for the golf tourism industry.

Undiscovered Golf Destination of the Year
Sweden

Golf Destination of the Year – Africa, Indian Ocean & Gulf States
The Garden Route, South Africa

Golf Destination of the Year – Asia & Australasia
Hua Hin, Thailand

Golf Destination of the Year – Europe
The Algarve, Portugal

Golf Destination of the Year – Latin America & The Caribbean
Costa Rica

Golf Destination of the Year – North America
Naples, Marco Islands, & Everglades, Florida

Golf Resort of the Year – Europe
Thracian Cliffs Golf & Beach Resort, Bulgaria

Golf Resort of the Year – North America
The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay, California

Golf Resort of the Year – Rest of World
The Farm at Cape Kidnappers, New Zealand

Golf Tourism Supplier of the Year
Dubai Golf, UAE

IAGTO Honorary Award
Ernie Els

IAGTO Sustainability Awards – Efficient Use of Resources
Lumine, Mediterranea Beach & Golf Community, Costa Daurada, Spain

IAGTO Sustainability Awards – Nature Conservation
The Tryall Club, Montego Bay, Jamaica

IAGTO Sustainability Awards – Community Engagement
Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa, Arizona, USA

IAGTO Sustainability Awards – Sustainable Golf Course of the Year
Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Orlando, Florida