The five-star Fairmont St Andrews resort has cemented its position as a leading golf destination by being voted the International Association of Golf Tour Operators’ (IAGTO) European Golf Resort of the Year 2012.
The award is one of the most prestigious available to golf resorts, having recognised the quality of its facilities and service and been voted for by IAGTO’s 400 plus specialist golf tour operators in 58 different countries.
It is the latest in a long line of accolades for the luxurious Scottish resort and comes hot on the heels of Fairmont St Andrews being named Golf Tourism Scotland’s Resort Hotel of the Year for the third time in four years.
And it was a double celebration for the region, as Fife won the European Golf Destination of the Year category.
Fairmont St Andrews’ general manager, Garrett Turta, who accepted the award on behalf of the resort, said: “We’re very proud of all the accolades Fairmont St Andrews has amassed, but this really is one of the resort’s biggest achievements.
“To have been voted the best in Europe by industry experts is quite a coup and a testament to the investment the owners have put in and the hard work and high standards of all our staff.”
Former Ryder Cup captain Sam Torrance designed one of Fairmont St Andrews’ championship courses and had recorded a special video message at the resort which was played at the awards ceremony.
He said: “Congratulations to the Fairmont St Andrews for winning European Golf Resort of the Year. The facilities here are superb; I love coming to stay at the resort for golf, leisure, fun, a wee dram, anything you like, it’s all available here. I’ve been involved with the Fairmont St Andrews for 10 years, and I’m delighted with the way the resort and courses have matured.”
In recent years Fairmont St Andrews has benefited from a £17m investment which included extensive improvements throughout both The Torrance and The Kittocks courses, refurbishment of the entire hotel and an extension to the leisure facilities to create a luxurious spa and fitness complex.
Since then the resort has hosted numerous prestigious events including final qualifying for the 2010 Open Championship, as well as being the venue for the last three Scottish Senior Opens.
During its 10-year history Fairmont St Andrews has accumulated a host of accolades for hospitality, golf, spa and cuisine, as well as welcoming some of the world’s most powerful individuals as the venue for a G20 summit and Northern Ireland peace talks, while Prince William was a regular visitor and member of the spa and gym while studying at university.
For more information, images or to book a stay, call +44 1334 837000, email standrews.scotland@fairmont.com or visit www.fairmont.com/standrews.
INFORMATION FOR JOURNALISTS
The five-star Fairmont St Andrews resort boasts two championship golf courses, The Torrance and The Kittocks, and has played host to a number of prestigious events, including both the Open Championship’s final local qualifying and the Scottish Senior Open.
In addition to golf tournaments, Fairmont St Andrews has also hosted some of the world’s most important politicians and powerbrokers as a venue for both Northern Ireland peace talks and a G20 Summit.
A recent £17m redevelopment has benefited the entire resort, including the sumptuous spa complex which offers a range of treatments including locally-themed massages, facial and relaxation therapies and exclusive Kerstin Florian treatments in 12 chic treatment rooms.
Accolades and awards for Fairmont St Andrews
ABOUT FAIRMONT HOTELS & RESORTS
Located in world-class destinations around the globe, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is a celebrated collection of hotels that includes landmark locations like London’s The Savoy, New York’s The Plaza, and Shanghai’s Fairmont Peace Hotel. With more than 60 hotels, Fairmont is known as much for its warm, engaging service and culturally rich experiences, as its classic hotels that imbue a sense of heritage, sophistication and social importance and are often considered destinations in their own right. A community and environmental leader, Fairmont is also regarded for its responsible tourism practices and award-winning Green Partnership program. Fairmont is owned by FRHI Holdings Limited, a leading global hotel company with over 100 hotels under the Fairmont, Raffles, and Swissôtel brands. The company also manages Fairmont and Raffles branded estates and luxury private residence club properties. For more information or reservations, please call +44 845 071 0153 or visit www.fairmont.com.
For more information on Fairmont St Andrews or images contact Graeme Dawson on +44 1334 837000 or email graeme.dawson@fairmont.com
