The Fiji International presented by Fiji Airways and Westpac will continue their strong partnership into 2018 for a third consecutive year.

As the Official Bank of the Fiji International presented by Fiji Airways since 2016, Westpac uses this partnership as the vehicle to accelerate their support of the Fiji tourism industry.

Westpac is the proud supporter of the international and domestic volunteer programs which saw 66 international volunteers travel to Fiji for the tournament in 2017 with this number expected to increase in 2018.

However with a strong community focus, Westpac has also supported the introduction of an academic scholarship created by the Fiji International presented by Fiji Airways and awarded to a student of the Fiji National University who excels in their role as a Westpac Fiji International volunteer.

The internationally recognised golf tournament provides an opportunity for FNU students to contribute their skill set in the workforce to gain invaluable experience to assist not only their studies, but future employment opportunities by taking part in the Westpac Volunteer Program.

Westpac will also continue their support to the Fiji International Schools Program, an initiative to promote the game of golf at a grass roots level across the country in the lead up to the 2-5 August tournament.

“Westpac’s role in the Pacific is more than simply providing banking and financial services. It’s about being part of the stability and security of a sound financial system, playing an integral role in the local economy and contributing to the social and environmental wellbeing of local communities,” said Brett Hooker, Westpac Fiji’s General Manager.

“It is through our partnership with global events like the Fiji International presented by Fiji Airways that we breathe life into our vision.

“The tournament has an economic impact on Fiji providing a boost to sporting tourism which we are proud to support via the Westpac Volunteer Program. However, this program also provides tangible benefits to Fijian students who are the future workforce of Fiji’s burgeoning tourism industry.

“We are also proud to continue our work with the local community by providing school children access to golf, a sport they may not previously have experienced but a lifelong game they can enjoy.”

The support of partners like Westpac is integral to the success of the Fiji International presented by Fiji Airways but also to the tournament’s aim of providing long lasting golf initiatives to local communities.

“We have enjoyed a strong working relationship with Westpac over the past two years and look forward to working with them to ensure the 2018 Fiji International presented by Fiji Airways is another successful tournament for Fiji,” said Matt Porm, Director of Commercial for the Fiji International presented by Fiji Airways.

“Westpac’s involvement with the Westpac Volunteer Program is dual purpose, just like the Fiji International presented by Fiji Airways. It aims to attract international golfing volunteers to Fiji whilst also providing an opportunity to the Fijian community to be involved with the tournament in a hands-on and practical way.

“The Fiji International presented by Fiji Airways aims to leave a lasting legacy of golf in Fiji, as well as introduce healthy living and future planning initiatives to benefit local communities; Westpac is assisting us with these goals.”

Westpac is committed to providing the people of Fiji with a range of overseas banking solutions inclusive of various personal and business loans, bank accounts, internet banking and term deposits and it’s their loyal customers who are set to benefit from Westpac’s relationship with the Fiji International.