Lisbon Golf Coast chosen as Best European Golf Destination
23 November 2006
The Lisbon Golf Coast has recently received in Marbella, Spain the prestigious prize
for Best European Golf Destination by IAGTO – the International Association of Golf
Tour Operators, an association that includes over 1,000, members.
The prize awarded to the Lisbon Golf Coast, a designated umbrella that incorporates
the destinations of Estoril & Sintra Golf Coast, Costa Azul Golfe & Golfoeste, is
in recognition of the efforts carried out by the golf industry in the Greater Lisbon
Region.
The ceremony, held today 23rd November, took place during the world’s largest golf
fair, The International Golf Travel Market, where the Lisbon Golf Coast had a substantial
stand.
Amongst the long list of notable nominations for this award, which for the second
time honours a Portuguese brand/destination (Algarve won in 2005), are Spain (six
regional nominations), Ireland (three regional nominations) and Scotland (three
regional nominations), all considered to be of great importance within this sector.
At present the regions of Estoril/Sintra, Costa Azul/Ribatejo & Oeste have 22 courses
to offer in addition to the two 9-hole courses in Lisbon and collectively are an
indicator of added value where golf is combined with other areas of tourism such
as city breaks.
The majority of foreign golfers that visited the Lisbon Region, according to 2005
data, came from the Scandinavian countries (Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland) and
the United Kingdom. This tourism segment is recognised for its prestige element,
practiced by middle and senior managers with high disposable income.
A deciding factor in the choice of the Lisbon Region was the playing quality of
its courses and its surrounding countryside. During their stay in the Region these
tourists played, on average, at three courses. Approximately 60% are frequent travellers
and many had already played golf within the Region before.
It is notable that more than half intend to return and all (99,8%) would recommend
the region to play golf.
ENDS
23rd November 2006
Contacts
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