Copa Airlines partners with Nexgen Golf Academy
Camille Hackett
Kaieteur News – Copa Airlines, one of the region’s leading airlines, has signed a major marketing and promotion agreement with NexGen Golf Academy that will see the flag of the major airline flying over many of Guyana’s upcoming golf events and programs. Compañia Panameña de Aviación, SA, known simply as Copa Airlines, is Panama’s flag carrier. With its headquarters in Panama City, Panama, the airline connects destinations in North, Central and South America, and the Caribbean, through its Boost of America, located at Tocumen International Airport.
Camille Hackett, General Manager of Copa, said, “Our relationship with NexGen Global and Mr. Hussain has seen a tremendous positive impact in the development of the sport and the steps taken to involve women and children in the game, has given the assurance that this is the right step for Copa Airlines to provide the necessary support which he and the Golf Society need. “
Aleem Hussain
Christopher Ferrell
Guyana Golf Association President and NexGen Golf Academy Aleem Hussain was alert in his praise to Commercial Coordinator Nadine Oudkerk and Sales Executive Christopher Ferrell who credited with the venture to join forces to help develop the sport in Guyana. “This progressive team saw the niche for growth and without hesitation did everything possible to ensure we could form a sustainable partnership that will see as many as 3,000 new people open to the game over the next twelve months.”
This year, as part of this exciting partnership, many activities and events for new players and school children will be run away by NexGen Golf Academy, Guyana Golf Association, and the Ministry of Education’s Related Arts Unit, where participants will have the opportunity to play and learn and in doing so, reap many rewards simply by participating in a covid-19 compliant activity.
Ms Oudkerk said, “The prestigious first quarter event will be a great Hole-in One Competition, where the winner will receive a round-trip ticket to any destination in America where Copa Airlines flies! ” (travel must be completed by specific dates and some restrictions apply).
The activity will take place at the Academy on Woolford Avenue starting on February 6th and all the players have to do is dig the ball in one shot to win the amazing prize, a dream trip to ‘ the destination of their choice! “We expect this will encourage many people to come out to take part and Copa Airlines staff will be on hand at many of these activities to support NexGen Golf and the Guyana Golf Association and answer any questions people may have about our services and destinations, ”said Sales Executive Christopher Ferrell.
According to Hussain, 2021 will be a banner year for golf as interest in the sport has risen to new levels and several major developments are planned. “With the construction of the 18-hole Championship golf course in Maraiko Bay underway and at least three more courses in the pipeline, Guyana will soon become a golf destination and that means great news for tourism, hotels, airlines and other service providers. Golfers are among the highest spenders in the tourism industry on average around US $ 3,950 per golfer on a golf trip and adding to the fact that most golfers love living near or on a golf course, property values tend to increase by 30% or more wherever. courses are under construction. ”
A 4-bedroom golf course home in nearby Barbados rents as much as US $ 3,000- $ 4,500 / night depending on the season and is the same in Jamaica and almost every other golf destination. “We have lost out far too long on this lucrative market and we see this partnership with Copa Airlines and the development of Maraiko Bay and other golf communities as the path to new wealth for Guyanese investors and homeowners, Said Hussain. “We see Maraiko Bay competing against any of the Caribbean’s top resort properties as it offers everything and more they provide – championship golf, marina, shopping, beach, and eco-tours. “
With a championship golf course, the air lift will increase and so will revenue from sports tourism and the possibility of holding major golf tournaments on a regular basis is fast becoming a reality. With golf now being introduced to the school system, and with the excellent corporate support and sponsorship being put behind the development of the game, Guyana will be in a position to compete at international and even international level. Olympic level in a short space of time.
Hussain stressed that the number and quality of facilities under the Nexgen Global umbrella will continually improve but the aim is to reduce the cost of playing golf while making it more accessible to a wider audience. “Our corporate partners agree that, for far too long, this incredible sport has been kept out of the hands of our citizens and is the first of many co-operation agreements designed to allow thousands of Guyanese to play Golf.”
For more information about Copa Airlines, their destinations and services, visit their local office at 212 Camp Street or www.copaair.com. To find out more about the Hole-in One tournament or any golf activities at NexGen Golf Academy, you can find information on Facebook or call 645-0944.