The IAGTO Awards 2007

23 November 2006

The IAGTO Awards in association with Hertz are the official annual awards for the golf tourism industry. The 2007 gala Awards evening took place on Thursday 23rd November in the Palacio de Congresos de Estepona in Andalucia, Europe’s most popular golf destination, on the last day of the International Golf Travel Market.

IAGTO is the global trade organisation for the golf tourism industry, comprising more than 900 companies in 72 countries, including over 260 specialist golf tour operators in 41 countries. IAGTO’s Chief Executive, Peter Walton, said "The annual golf holiday is the highlight of the golfing year for many of the world’s 50 million players, and the IAGTO Awards serve to reward a few exceptional contributions to this world of golf travel. There is certainly no shortage of candidates worthy of recognition. Many individuals, companies, organisations and destinations have excelled in delivering a great golfing experience to the golf traveller – the ultimate goal for all involved in golf tourism.

“The Awards serve also to encourage private and public sector organisations to work closely together in the development and promotion of new and existing golf destinations, making them accessible to and enjoyable by the widest range of golfers. Each year we recognise the performance of three of the world’s leading Golf Resorts, the flagships of our industry, together with one outstanding golf destination in each of the following five regions:

• Asia & Australasia
• Africa & the Gulf States
• Latin America & the Caribbean
• North America
• Europe

There is also an award for the Undiscovered Golf Destination of the Year, voted for by members of the International Association of Golf Travel Writers, with 70 member journalists from 20 countries. The ceremony culminates in the presentation of our Honorary Award in tribute to the achievements of one extraordinary individual.

“Guest of Honour, Miguel Angel Jiménez, who resides in Malaga, announced the Awards together with Jose Maria Olazabal and the event was compared by Sportsinc’s Golf Club presenter, Phil Leishman. From the Gala Dinner through to the Jazz Flamenco concert, the 7th annual Awards were a truly spectacular event, none of which would have been possible without the enormous support we receive from Hertz and I would like particularly to thank the governments of Spain, Andalucia and Costa del Sol for recognising the importance of golf tourism and for staging such a magnificent event."

ENDS
23rd November 2006

Notes for Editors

The Golf Destination and Golf Resort awards are voted for by IAGTO’s specialist golf tour operator members which now number over 260 from 41 different countries. Each operator was asked to vote for what they considered to be the best performing golf resorts of the year. The following criteria were considered:

• Customer Satisfaction
• Quality of Golf Courses and Accommodation
• Value for money
• Support from Suppliers, Tourist Boards & Airlines
• Professional Conduct of Suppliers
• Accessibility to Tee Times

With the exception of the Undiscovered Golf Destination of the Year Award which is voted for by the 72 golf travel journalists from 20 countries of the Golf Travel Writers Association, who consider the following:

• To What Extent is the Golf Destination Undiscovered
• Qualities that make for an Interesting Golf Destination
• Attractiveness of the Region and of the Courses
• Golf Course Quality & Accessibility
• Standard of Accommodation
• Friendliness of the staff
• Value for money
• Speed of Play
• Climate

Contact

Carlton Carugati – General Manager
IAGTO, 1 Trafalgar House, Grenville Place, London NW7 3SA, United Kingdom

Tel: +44 (0) 20 8906 3377
Fax: +44 (0) 20 8906 8181

Email: ccarugati@iagto.com