New Zealand aims to leverage its status as an award-winning golf destination to inspire more golfers from overseas to discover its courses. New Zealand's golf tourism initiatives have been intensified since the country was named the 2018 Golf Destination of the Year for the Asia-Pacific region in the World Golf Tourism Organization.

Cape Kidnappers - Photo: DR

38 of New Zealand's top golf courses have now joined IAGTO in a collaborative partnership to accelerate New Zealand's appeal as an international golf destination.

The courses fall into two categories: Marquee courses, comprising 14 of the country's most iconic names, including the Cape Kidnappers golf course, the Kauri Cliffs golf course and the Jacks Point golf course, have been selected to deliver something special and unique to New Zealand to the visiting golf traveler.

With the support of IAGTO, Tourism New Zealand (TNZ) will expand its golf tourism activities over the next three years, starting with its largest delegation at the 7th edition of the Asia Golf Tourism Convention (AGTC) which will be held in Manila from April 22 to 25, where TNZ will also be an international sponsor. Participants already include Royal Wellington Golf Club, Otago Golf Club, Kinloch Club, Cape Kidnappers Golf Course, Terrace Downs Complex, PaR nz Golfin Holidays, Premium Golf New Zealand and Tourism New Zealand. Between 2018 and 2020, TNZ will also be showcasing its golf products at the IGTM and the IAGTO North American Golf Tourism Convention (NAC - which will be held this year in central Oregon, June 24 to 27).

Commenting on the initiative, Peter Walton, Managing Director of IAGTO, said: “When all the 'export ready' or tourism friendly golf courses in a destination work together, they have a much greater impact on the golf travel industry. This in turn constitutes an essential guide for international golf tour operators wishing to present, promote and sell this extraordinary golf destination to their travel golf clients ”.

TNZ General Manager Stephen England-Hall said: “Golf tourism in New Zealand shows significant growth with an 18% increase in tournaments played by international visitors for the year ending April 2017. New Zealand has around 400 golf courses offering incredible variety , from subtropical waterfront courses in the north to alpine settings in the south. Golfers can easily get to various courses, while in New Zealand they can sample what each region has to offer, and that's a huge map. Our partnership with IAGTO will bring New Zealand's golf offerings to the world stage, reaching millions of golfers in all markets around the world. "

As part of this project, IAGTO will establish a New Zealand Chapter and New Zealand Operators Club for its member tour operators who promote New Zealand as a golf destination.

To learn more about New Zealand and its golf courses, visit www.newzealand.com