This prestigious award recognizes the success of golf tourism promotion in the Costa Blanca, Valencia Region. The winners of the award have been selected by the tour operators themselves through a secret ballot system, which enhances the prestige of the award.Costa Blanca has been awarded the “European Golf Destination of the Year” during the 2018 IAGTO Awards, the highly reputable annual event held by the global golf tourism industry organization, IAGTO (International Association of Golf Tour Operators). The award, announced today on the opening day of IGTM (International Golf Travel Market) in Cannes, France, recognizes the activities developed by the destination for golf tourism promotion as well as its support and partnership with golf tour operators.!
The award is voted for by IAGTO’s tour operators members worldwide, numbering almost 680 in 65 countries, which is given annually from among a selection of nominated golf destinations that offer the best performing experiences to their clients. This is based on different criteria relating to customer satisfaction, the quality of golf courses and accommodation, value for money, profesional conduct of suppliers, support from the local tourism industry and accessibility of tee times. The awards are given to the winners chosen from five world regions; North America, Latin America &Caribbean, Europe, Africa & Indean Ocean, Asia & Australia.
Francesc Colomer, Minister of Tourism Region of Valencia, highlighted that “The Costa Blanca has become a major golf destination thanks to the outstanding flight connections, the climate, the complimentary offer and obviously the quality of the courses designed by some of the most prestigious names in the world of golf, such as Ballesteros, Nicklaus, Olazábal and others. This award is a recognition of the efforts made by the professionals of golf and tourism in the Region of Valencia and Costa Blanca. The award will provide us with the final impulse to become a favourite destination for those who love playing golf to discover our rich historical heritage, local culture and gastronomy, and enjoy an unbeatable range of services in an excellent climate throughout the year on the shores of the Mediterranean.»
This is the first time that a destination that organizes the IAGTO Trophy wins this prestigious award in the same year. The IAGTO Trophy was organized by the The Association of Golf Courses of the Costa Blanca. Founded in 1992, today it encompasses 17 golf courses, 21 hotels and several sponsors and partner companies.
Costa Blanca is one of the leading destinations in Europe for golf tourism. In addition to an excellent climate that allows golf to be played 12 months a year, Alicante has one of the most important international airports in Spain with direct flights across Europe, as well as an impressive tourist offer established for more than 50 years. The visitor to the Costa Blanca will enjoy all the above in our golf courses, fantastic venues beside the Mediterranean Sea, and will also enjoy our excellent hotels, restaurants, and beaches of fine sand.
Established in 1997, IAGTO currently has 2.500 members in 96 countries, including 649 golf tour operators from 61 countries, which are estimated to control 87% of golf Holiday package sales worldwide. In 2016, the IAGTO members carried 1.9 million golfers with a turnover of more than €2.1 billion. For more information about the IAGTO Awards, visit; http://www.iagto.com/awards
PRESS RELEASE: C/O Costa Blanca Tourist Board
PHOTO CREDIT: C/O Costa Blanca Tourist Board