Spectacular Algarve voted Golf Destination of the Year

THE ALGARVE in Portugal has won the golf tourism industry's most prestigious award, being voted the Established Golf Destination of the Year by IAGTO's specialist golf tour operators.

The presentation was made during the 6th IAGTO (International Association of Golf Tour Operators) award ceremony in Gran Canaria at the weekend in front of an audience of 1,000 golf tourism professionals from 45 countries.

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.

"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."

The Algarve has 30 spectacular golf courses, including San Lorenzo and The Old Course at Vilamoura, frequently quoted amongst the 100 best golf courses in the world.

Golf in the Algarve represents on average revenue of €350m per year, employs around 10,000 people and golfers in the Algarve play on average 1 million rounds per year. Golfing visitors on average spend much more than other visitors to the Algarve - 74% of the revenue is spent away from the golf course.

Mr da Silva also said that they estimate that the golf industry is responsible for one million nights in hotels around the Algarve.

Egypt won the Undiscovered Golf Destination of the Year Award, with veteran actor, Omar Sharif picking up the honour on the night.

He said: "I would like to think of us as rediscovered. Egypt has 14 golf courses that meet the exacting standards of the sport. They are located in spectacular places with breathtaking views in Sinai, along the Red Sea Coast, and right under the Pyramids of Giza. And we can guarantee warm sunshine every day of the year."

Having disappeared from the international scene for some decades, the ancient game is being revitalised in Egypt. Property developers, hotel chains and resort owners have seen the light and are pursuing golf as the next boom business in tourism.

At least seven new golf projects are on the designers tables and by the end of 2007 there will be at least 20 top quality courses to entice the discerning golfer.

The courses in Egypt have been discovered by some of the more adventurous golfing holiday makers from Scandinavia and the Emerald Isle, but the news is travelling fast. Great hotels, much improved roads, regular flights, empty courses, and friendly multi-lingual staff at prices that can not be matched by the more established golf holiday destinations, makes Egypt a must. The percentage of repeat visits is exceptionally high which is testament to the quality of the product available.

The top 10 nominees for this year's undiscovered award were (in alphabetical order): Alabama, USA; Azores, Portugal; Brazil; Czech Republic; Egypt; Gold Coast, Australia; India; Oregon, USA; Nova Scotia, Canada; Prince Edward Island, Canada.

Thailand was also recognised by IAGTO as the Emerging Golf Destination of the Year. "Over the last 10 years, Thailand has established itself as the top destination in Asia for golf," said Jeremy Paulson, the Golf Ambassador for the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

There are now almost 200 golf courses scattered throughout the Kingdom - every course has caddies and it is mandatory to employ one for your round. They are Thailand's secret weapons for making golf such good fun. Predominantly ladies, these brightly uniformed caddies know everything about the course, smile almost all the time and can read putts like a pro.