2020 IAGTO AWARDS  – WINNERS’ COMMENTS

Golf Destination of the Year: The Algarve, Portugal
João Fernandes, President, Algarve Tourism: “I’m very proud to accept this award, on behalf of everybody working within the golf tourism industry in the Algarve and we would like to offer our thanks to IAGTO and the golf tour operators who voted for us. We believe the Algarve has so many reasons for visiting us: the weather, the people, the beaches, accommodation choice and of course, the golf. But even if all the ingredients are present, it still needs dedicated, passionate and highly-skilled people to serve it up correctly. And that’s what the people who work in the Algarve have done, not just this year, but in previous years and will do for many years to come.  We should also show our appreciation to the tour operators who work so hard to bring people to the region and thank them for their efforts and their continued faith in the Algarve. We hope to welcome you to our wonderful region again very soon.”

Undiscovered Golf Destination of the Year: Cambodia
Dr Thong Kon, Minister of Tourism, Kingdom of Cambodia: “We are delighted that Cambodia has been recognised by the world’s leading golf travel writers as the Undiscovered Golf Destination of the Year. Many golf travellers from Asia and beyond have already experienced the fantastic cluster of golf courses in Siem Reap – namely Angkor Golf Resort, Phokeethra Golf & Country Club and Booyoung Country Club, all within minutes of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Angkor Wat. With the opening this year of the Nick Faldo designed 36-hole Vattanac Golf Resort in our capital Phnom Penh, to partner Garden City Golf Resort, Phnom Penh Golf & Country Club and the Grand Phnom Penh Golf Club, Cambodia is now a genuine two-centre golf destination. We know that golf travellers around the world are looking for new destinations and new high quality golf experiences, and with this wonderful combination of golf alongside both ancient and modern culture, so easily accessible to anyone looking to travel to South East Asia, we look forward to welcoming thousands of first time golf visitors to Cambodia.”

Golf Resort of the Year – Europe, Middle East & Africa: Adare Manor, Ireland
Colm Hannon, CEO, Adare Manor: “It’s an honour to be recognised by IAGTO’s golf tour operators globally. It continues to be an incredible year for Adare Manor and Irish golf in general; we look forward to welcoming many more international visitors to our hotel and golf course in the lead up to the 2026 Ryder Cup. Achieving this award is a testament to our entire team, which is fully committed to providing a first-class service to all of our guests. Our goal is to offer a complete golf experience for every guest that will leave them with long-lasting memories and a desire to return again.”

Golf Resort of the Year – the Americas: Moon Palace Cancun, Mexico
Fernando Sandoval, Director of Golf, Moon Spa & Golf Club: “Palace Resorts is extremely honored to have Moon Palace Cancun, named Best Golf Resort of the year by IAGTO (International Association of Golf Tour Operators). The growing reputation of golf courses in the Americas and particularly in the Cancun & Riviera Maya regions, has given an extraordinary boost to the luxury golf segment. Receiving this prestigious award motivates us to continue to offer outstanding first-class service that provides an unmatched golf experience that is unforgettable to our guests.”

Asia Pacific Golf Resort of the Year: Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort, Cambodia
Pascal Tadin, General Manager, Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort: “Since 2000, Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort has provided French excellence blended with Khmer hospitality. The warm and genuine service is our signature and this philosophy is extended to our golf course, Phokeethra Country Club. As the first international golf resort in Cambodia, our experience taught us, with exigency, that guest satisfaction and high quality standards are essential ingredients. For years, our golf course and the hotel have been, alongside that, contributing to the increasing visibility of Siem Reap as an international tourist destination. This award is an outstanding recognition which depicts our savoir-faire and our dedication towards our guests.”

IAGTO Sustainability Awards

IAGTO Sustainability Award for Outstanding Contribution to Sustainability: Aphrodite Hills, Cyprus
Andrew Darker, Golf Director, Aphrodite Hills: “Every effort that we put is made to implement environmental measures in the maintenance of the golf course which will benefit the environment and the game in the long term. Our aim is to maintain its high quality, in more sustainable and more environmentally friendly ways. The environmental consciousness of our multi skilled Golf Team has always been top priority. We also dedicate time and resources into youth golf with the aim of encouraging a new generation to try the sport. Our biggest game is the Environment, and this has become our Team’s culture. We are very proud that these important environmental certifications such as Sustainability Award for Outstanding Commitment by IAGTO, GEO and Green Club, keep on coming aboard. You play better when you really care.”

IAGTO Sustainability Award for Resource Efficiency: Minthis Resort, Cyprus
Stelios Patsalides, General Manager, Minthis Golf: “Our eco-friendly, holistic approach and authentic resort philosophy has evolved in the last twenty years from the redesign of the course and clubhouse to preserving nature, resources, involving and supporting the local community. These topics are closest to my heart and this award acknowledges our work and reinforces our commitment to become a leader in Cyprus Golf for sustainability. The dedicated team who support the daily implementation of our sustainability programme is what motivates me and has made the course a success. As well as the onsite team I’d like to personally thank our Golf Course Architect Tom Mackenzie, from Mackenzie & Ebert, who has also recently been honoured as a Sustainable Design Leader by EIGCA.”

IAGTO Sustainability Award for Nature Protection: PGA Catalunya Resort, Spain
David Plana, CEO, PGA Catalunya Resort: “At PGA Catalunya Resort, we have always embraced the importance of sustainability and have made the protection of our ecological environment a core objective since the beginning. As the home to Spain’s No.1 course, we take our responsibility as leaders in the field very seriously – be that minimising consumption or exploring opportunities for renewable alternatives and diversified energy sources. From the use of 100% recycled water, to the recruitment of our own resident biologist and our investment in various programmes that support the wildlife on the estate, we are proud to stand at the forefront of creating sustainable environments through golf, and gracefully accept the IAGTO Sustainability Award for Nature Protection 2020.”

IAGTO Sustainability Award for Community Value: Jumeirah Golf Estates, Dubai, UAE
Christopher May, Chief Executive Officer, Dubai Golf: “We are delighted that Jumeirah Golf Estates is the latest golf club in the Dubai Golf portfolio to become GEO Certified®.  The drive to become GEO Certified® has been a key milestone in Dubai Golf’s long term environmental strategy focused on protecting our natural resources. It is an incredible achievement for Emirates Golf Club, Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club and Jumeirah Golf Estates to hold this accolade, and I am personally very proud of the tireless efforts of the agronomy teams across Dubai Golf for their continual efforts.”

More information about the IAGTO Awards - www.iagto.com/awards