Orlando Named 2010 Top North American Golf Destination by International Golf Association
20 November 2009
ORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando has been voted “North American Golf Destination of the Year
2010” by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO), it was announced
last night in Malaga, Spain at the annual international awards ceremony for the
golf tourism industry. The event was widely covered by print, online and broadcast
media including CNN International, ESPN Star Sports Asia and the Golf Channel.
IAGTO Chief Executive Officer Peter Walton said, “This is outstanding recognition
for an aspect of the Orlando experience that is outside of its world-renowned theme
parks. This award acknowledges not only the quality of the golf offerings in Orlando
but the service provided to golfers and tour operators worldwide. With this award,
our members recognize that Orlando has achieved a winning combination for golfers
worldwide.”
“Orlando is well-known for its theme park thrills off the course – it’s very exciting
to see that we are now becoming known for our thrills on the course,” said Gary
C. Sain, president and CEO of the Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau,
Inc. “With 177 golf courses providing every type and level of golf experience, we
like to say that Orlando is golf’s ultimate theme park. We are honored to have this
prestigious award from IAGTO and the acknowledgement from its members for the efforts
we have put in to developing our vast golf offerings from our award-winning golf
courses, to our top golf instructors and the acclaimed professional events we host
every year.”
The selection for winning destinations is made through votes cast by over 300 golf
tour operators from 50 countries who consider 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. North American finalist destinations nominated for the award included Hawaii,
Miami, Fla. and Palm Beach Fla.
About Orlando Golf:
With 177 golf courses, 23 golf academies, host to more professional tour competitions
than any other city and home to the Golf Channel, top-rated professional players
and course architects, Orlando is one of the few places in the world that can confidently
meet the needs of any type of travelling golf group. Golfers of all levels, interests
and budgets will find a fitting golf experience in Orlando. For more information
on Orlando golf courses, visit golforlando.com. For more information about vacation
experiences in Orlando, to order a complimentary vacation planning kit or to purchase
discount attraction tickets, visitors can log on to Orlando’s official Web site
at VisitOrlando.com.
About IAGTO:
IAGTO (International Association of Golf Tour Operators) is the global trade organization
for the golf tourism industry. Established in 1997, IAGTO's membership comprises
1330 accredited golf tour operators, golf resorts, hotels, golf courses, receptive
operators, airlines, tourist boards, approved media and business partners in 77
countries including, at its core, 330 specialist golf tour operators in 50 countries.
It is estimated that IAGTO’s operators control over 80% of golf holiday packages
sold worldwide outside of Asia and turnover more than €1 billion per year. IAGTO
is headquartered in London, England.
Contact Details:
Susan Lomax Greer / Brian Martin
Tel: +1 407 354 5586
Fax: +1 407 370 5002
Email: media@orlandocvb.com
orlandoinfo.com/media
ENDS
20th November 2009