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The Algarve, Portugal has been granted the 2006 top award of the global golf tourist market. |
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The Algarve voted as the "Established Golf Destination of the Year" |
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The Algarve won the golf tourism industry’s most prestigious award as it was voted the Established Golf Destination of the Year by IAGTO's specialist golf tour operators. The presentation was made during the 6th IAGTO Award Ceremony that took place in Gran Canaria on 8th December in front of an audience of 1000 golf tourism professionals from 45 countries.
The Ceremony takes place each year on the last night of the International Golf Travel Market, the global trade show for the golf tourism industry. This year the IAGTO Awards were staged in the spectacular 16th century Santa Ana Plaza in the Gran Canarian capital of Las Palmas. |
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Speach of Antonio Henriques da Silva, President of the Algarve Golf Association |
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On receiving the Awards, Antonio Henriques da Silva, President of the Algarve Golf Association, said "We are delighted with such recognition, which we believe is down to the continued work and management philosophy that all members of the association are committed to. A philosophy based on quality of the product, the service, the maintenance, a continuous improvement policy, aiming at exceeding the expectations of those who chose the Algarve, as their golfing destination".
"This is the visible reward for the work that we have put in to achieving our objectives - making the Algarve a leading golf destination. It has a unique Mediterranean climate, a rich gastronomy and its golf courses are amongst the best in the world. These are the perfect ingredients for the demanding golf tourist." |
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The Golf Destination Algarve, Portugal |
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The Algarve has 30 spectacular golf courses, known all over the world. They have hosted important internationals competitions such as the World Golf championship - Algarve World Cup, the Algarve Portuguese Open, Algarve Ladies Open and Algarve Seniors Open among many others. Golf courses in the Algarve are always quoted on the international ranking of prestigious magazines such as the Golf Digest US that this year, quoted San Lorenzo and The Old Course among the 100 best golf courses in the World.
Golf in Algarve represents on average revenue of 350 millions euros per year, employs around 10,000 people and golfers in Algarve have play on average 1 million rounds of golf per year. Golfing visitors on average spend much more than other visitors to Algarve, 74% of the revenue is spend outside of golf course and only 25,7% is direct revenue for the golf course. Antonio Henriques da Silva also said that they estimate that the golf industry is responsible for one million nights in hotels around the Algarve.
The awards are voted for by IAGTO's specialist golf tour operator members which now number over 240 from 38 different countries. Each operator was asked to nominate what they considered to be the best performing golf destinations this year. |
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The following criteria are 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
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The top 10 nominees for this year's Award were, in alphabetical order:
- Algarve, Portugal
- Andalucia, Spain
- Arizona, USA
- California, USA
- Costa Brava, Spain
- Dubai, U.A.E.
- France
- Land of Valencia, Spain
- Lisbon Golf Coast, Portugal
- South Africa |
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Previous Established Golf Destination of the Year Award winners are:
2001 - Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
2002 - Northern Ireland
2003 - Lisbon Golf Coast, Portugal
2004 - Ireland
2005 - Scotland
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