Receiving yet another coveted feather in its cap less than a week before the start of the Portugal Masters, the Algarve has been named the world’s ‘Golf Destination of the Year’ for 2020 by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO).
It is the first time that the Algarve has been voted the world’s top golf destination by the association, although it had already been named the best golf destination in Europe in 2006 and 2014.
The distinction was based on the votes of 700 golf operators in 63 countries who put the Algarve ahead of other highly-respected golf destinations such as Costa del Sol (Spain), Cote d’Azur & Provence (France) or even the Portuguese capital of Lisbon.
The award ceremony was held in Marrakech (Morocco) on Thursday (October 17), the final day of the International Golf Travel Market.
IAGTO President Peter Walton congratulated the Algarve’s golf industry and said that the region has “always put golfers’ experience at the top of its agenda”.
The award was accepted by Algarve tourism boss João Fernandes, who expressed his delight with the award in a statement sent out to newsrooms by the Algarve Tourism Association (ATA).
“The Algarve is not only a must-visit destination for amateur golfers but it has also been attracting some of the best golfers in the world due to the diversity and quality of its 40 golf courses and the hospitality and professionalism of its golf representatives,” he said.
Fernandes explained that golfing in the Algarve is an experience that is “not forgotten” as the region also is rich in “history and traditions” and is renowned for its climate and good food.
“We are hoping to welcome more golfers very soon. We are inviting everyone to get to know the Algarve next week when it will be hosting the Portugal Masters, a European Tour competition, which will take place from October 23 to 27 in Vilamoura,” he added.
The Golf Destination and Golf Resort awards are voted for by IAGTO’s specialist golf tour operator members. Each was asked to vote for what they considered to be the best-performing golf resorts of the year.
The criteria that was taken into account included “customer satisfaction; quality of golf courses and accommodation; value for money; support from suppliers, tourist boards and airlines; professional conduct of suppliers; and accessibility to tee times.”
The full list of winners can be viewed online (click here).
michael.bruxo@algarveresident.com
Photos: IAGTO
