South Africa has been named “Africa, Indian Ocean and Gulf States Golf Destination of the Year 2011" by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO). The announcement was made last night in Valencia, Spain at the annual international awards ceremony for the golf tourism industry.
South African Tourism’s UK Country Manager, Lebo Mokhesi said: "With over 600 golf courses providing every type and level of golf experience, we are proud to be announced as winners of this prestigious award. This is a significant acknowledgement by IAGTO that South Africa is fast becoming an irresistible golfing destination for golfers of all abilities across the world, as well as one of the most diversely appealing destinations on the planet.
”With attractions ranging from 21 National Parks and eight World Heritage Sites to over 3,500 kilometers of pristine coastline and a seemingly inexhaustible list of awesome adventures encompassing shark-diving and surfing to wildlife, South Africa is the ultimate destination for intrepid travellers to discover everything they're looking for.
The selection for winning golfing 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.
Golf in South Africa
South Africa boasts a number of signature golf courses including the world-famous the Gary Player Country Club at Sun City, home to the Nedbank Golf Challenge, which offers the largest first prize of any tournament in the world. The course at The Palace at the Lost City has the particularly unusual challenge of resident crocodiles in the water hazard at the 13th hole.
In addition, there are many other world-class courses that have featured on both the European PGA Tour as well as the local Sunshine Tour, including the Ernie Els’s Golf Course in Oubaai, Herald’s Bay, South Africa, which has been voted the CNBC African Property Award ‘Best Golf Resort in South Africa' in 2007
International golf tourism is particularly strong within Cape Town and Western Cape, but golf tours are not restricted to this region. The quality of the golf offerings and service provided to golfers and tour operators worldwide across South Africa provided both amateur and professional golf fans alike with unique golfing experiences within the beautifully scenic courses of South Africa. For more information on South Africa golf courses or holiday and travelling experiences in South Africa, please go to www.southafrica.net.
Issued by Publicasity on behalf of South African Tourism
For further information contact:
Ntsiki Mpulo at SA Tourism
Tel: 020 8971 9350
Email: ntsiki@uk.southafrica.net
Website: www.southafrica.net
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South African Tourism is the national tourism agency responsible for the marketing of South Africa as a preferred tourist destination. It is headed up by Chief Executive Officer, Ms Thandiwe January-McLean, Chief Operating Officer, Mr Tim Scholtz, and Chief Marketing Officer, Ms Roshene Singh.
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7168kb jpg  Lebohang Mokhesi, Country Manager UK - South African Tourism (centre) with South African delegates and Peter Walton, Chief Executive - IAGTO (on left) |
790kb jpg  Lebohang Mokhesi, Country Manager UK - South African Tourism (centre) with South African delegates and Peter Walton, Chief Executive - IAGTO (centre-right, at rear) |
