The IAGTO Awards are the official annual awards for the golf tourism industry. The 2009 gala Awards evening took place on Thursday 20th November 2008 at the Estepona Congress and Exhibition Centre, Spain on the last day of the International Golf Travel Market.
IAGTO is the global trade organisation for the golf tourism industry, comprising more than 1130 companies in 74 countries, including over 330 specialist golf tour operators in 46 countries. IAGTO's Chief Executive, Peter Walton, said "The annual golf holiday is the highlight of the golfing year for many of the world's 50 million players, and the IAGTO Awards serve to reward a few exceptional contributions to this world of golf travel. There is certainly no shortage of candidates worthy of recognition. Many individuals, companies, organisations and destinations have excelled in delivering a great golfing experience to the golf traveller — the ultimate goal for all involved in golf tourism.
"The Awards serve also to encourage private and public sector organisations to work closely together in the development and promotion of new and existing golf destinations, making them accessible to and enjoyable by the widest range of golfers. Each year we recognise the performance of three of the world's leading Golf Resorts, the flagships of our industry, together with one outstanding golf destination in each of the following five regions:
Asia & Australasia
Africa, the Indian Ocean & the Gulf States
Latin America & the Caribbean
North America
Europe
There is also an award for the Undiscovered Golf Destination of the Year, voted for by members of the International Association of Golf Travel Writers, with over 100 member journalists from 27 countries. The ceremony culminates in the presentation of our Honorary Award in tribute to the achievements of one extraordinary individual."
The winners of the 2009 IAGTO Awards were:
Golf Resort of the Year — Europe: Le Meridien Dona Filipa & San Lorenzo Golf Course, Portugal
Golf Resort of the Year — North America: Doral Golf Resort & Spa, Miami, Florida
Golf Resort of the Year — Rest of the World: Half Moon, Jamaica
Undiscovered Golf Destination of the Year: Kenya
Golf Destination of the Year — Africa, the Indian Ocean & the Gulf States: Dubai
Golf Destination of the Year — Asia & Australasia: New Zealand
Golf Destination of the Year — Europe: Andalucia, Spain
Golf Destination of the Year — Latin America & the Caribbean: Dominican Republic
Golf Destination of the Year — North America: South Carolina
IAGTO Honorary Award: José María Olazábal
Quotes from Award Winners: Established Golf Destination of the Year, North America — Coastal South Carolina
Gary Edwards, Managing Director, Coastal South Carolina said: "We are extremely honoured, humbled and encouraged that tour operators worldwide would validate our destination in such a strong way. It is an honour we do not accept lightly. It is an award for the whole industry. It is an award for the bagman who grabs the clubs out of the boot. It is an award for the people who serve refreshments on the course. Those are the people servicing the needs of the clients and the tour operators. At the end of the day we want the travellers to come back after having a happy experience. This validates that those people in the industry are doing just that."
Within the city of Charleston, South Carolina, a very special island town has emerged. This is a place where traditional neighborhoods, nationally ranked golf, and a vibrant downtown enjoy a spectacular coastal setting, surrounded by rivers and creeks and beautiful marsh views. It is a place where people live and work and play and learn. A place with a unique mix of shops and businesses, schools and churches and a never-ending list of recreational options. Charleston's top choice for real estate.
25 years of building visions. A Lowcountry legend in customer satisfaction. The results speak for themselves. Thoughtfully planned and masterfully crafted, our award-winning homes are among the most highly regarded in the Southeast. Embracing conservation, sustainability and balanced building, Bennett Hofford treasures our environment today and preserves it for tomorrow. Using experience, ingenuity, dedication and smart management, we consistently exceed client expectations.
Carolina Coastal Properties is Charleston's coastal real estate specialist in both property sales and vacation rentals. Our goal is to provide you with the most comprehensive source for real estate information in the area. You can trust us to provide a high level of professionalism and integrity in all of your dealings with us… it is the foundation of our company. If it's a memorable vacation you are looking for, we're here to help.
Within the city of Charleston, South Carolina, a very special island town has emerged. This is a place where traditional neighborhoods, nationally ranked golf, and a vibrant downtown enjoy a spectacular coastal setting, surrounded by rivers and creeks and beautiful marsh views. It is a place where people live and work and play and learn. A place with a unique mix of shops and businesses, schools and churches and a never-ending list of recreational options. Charleston's top choice for real estate.
25 years of building visions. A Lowcountry legend in customer satisfaction. The results speak for themselves. Thoughtfully planned and masterfully crafted, our award-winning homes are among the most highly regarded in the Southeast. Embracing conservation, sustainability and balanced building, Bennett Hofford treasures our environment today and preserves it for tomorrow. Using experience, ingenuity, dedication and smart management, we consistently exceed client expectations. 
Carolina Coastal Properties is Charleston's coastal real estate specialist in both property sales and vacation rentals. Our goal is to provide you with the most comprehensive source for real estate information in the area. You can trust us to provide a high level of professionalism and integrity in all of your dealings with us… it is the foundation of our company. If it's a memorable vacation you are looking for, we're here to help.
