Golf New South Wales, Bonville Golf Resort, the ALPG and the LET welcomed the Deputy Premier Mr John Barilaro MP to the 2019 Pacific Bay Resort Australian Ladies Classic- Bonville on Wednesday.
The Australian Ladies Classic – Bonville was secured exclusively for Bonville by the NSW Government via its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW and Mr Barilaro explained the benefits of hosting such a tournament.
He said: “We want to drive tourism and the best way to do that sometimes is to put on a number of events. Sport is at the heart of all of that. You’ve got a showcase and you’ve got people all over the world who might be watching the golf but at the same time they’re going to see Coffs Harbour and New South Wales and that means it drives tourism, it drives the economy and it means all the pubs, hotels and cafes are getting money through the door and that’s great for jobs.
“That’s why the government’s involved in this, backing it all the way. “There are some 144 players in the field this week, and 110 of them are from overseas. That really does showcase regional New South Wales at its best.”
Mr Barilaro said that exposure through digital media is one of the most important aspects of driving inbound tourism and the international golfers play a central role.
He continued: “We do live in a time of social media and these guys have got a lot of following across the globe so if they are able to get that message out about how great Coffs Harbour, New South Wales and Australia is, the players I spoke to love this place and that’s great for showcasing our region.”
The Pacific Bay Resort Australian Ladies Classic – Bonville tees off at the internationally renowned Bonville Golf Resort tomorrow.