November 23, 2006, Vancouver, BC "“ The International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO) has selected British Columbia as the "2007 Golf Destination of the Year" for North America at the IAGTO Awards, held as a part of the 9th annual International Golf Travel Market in Marbella, Spain. This evening's awards ceremony will be attended by major golf tour operators and golf travel media from around the world.
Votes for these awards were cast by IAGTO's 260 golf tour operators from 40 different countries. Each operator was asked to nominate what they considered to be the best performing golf destinations this year according to their clients. A winner was named in five regional categories: North America; Latin America and Caribbean; Europe; Africa and Gulf States and Asia and Australasia. Criteria for the Award included: customer satisfaction, quality of golf courses and accommodation, value for money, professional conduct of suppliers, support from the local tourism industry and accessibility to tee times. Among the sixteen other destinations nominated for the North American award were Arizona, Florida, Hawaii, Palm Springs and South Carolina.
"Receiving the prestigious title of North America's Golf Destination of the Year, is yet another example of why British Columbia truly is the Best Place on Earth," said Stan Hagen, Minister of Tourism, Sport and the Arts. "British Columbia was fortunate to be awarded the recent IAGTO Super Familiarization tour, hosted by Tourism British Columbia in June. This was an important showcase of the many spectacular golf experiences available in British Columbia to 40 operators from 10 countries."
Minister Hagen added, "By promoting golf travel, visitors can enjoy not only the many great golf courses and resorts around the province, but experience the many other world class activities British Columbia has to offer as well."
British Columbia has long been considered an ideal golf destination with its offering of diverse, challenging terrain, and breathtaking ocean and mountain vistas. Indeed, golf enthusiasts can experience a myriad of championship courses crafted by master architects such as Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Robert Trent Jones Jr., Robert Cupp, Bill Robinson and Les Furber. Beyond the links, guests can indulge in four-star accommodations as well as luxurious amenities that include first-class spas, delectable dining, superb shopping and many other outdoor adventure opportunities. Thanks to a temperate climate, golfing can be enjoyed year-round in some regions.
Tourism British Columbia is a Crown corporation that operates under an industry-led board of directors and is responsible for marketing Super, Natural British Columbia® to the world. For highlights on golf in British Columbia, please visit www.HelloBC.com/golf.
