Gran Canaria Celebrates Success at 25th IAGTO Awards

News Summary

The 25th IAGTO Awards ceremony held at Faro de Maspalomas showcased Gran Canaria’s remarkable contributions to golf tourism. With over 800 attendees, the event highlighted awards for top golf destinations and resorts. Gran Canaria was honored for its Outstanding Contribution to Golf Tourism, creating unforgettable experiences for visitors. Notable awards went to Costa del Sol, Arabella Golf Resort, and others, with local contributions recognized from Lopesan Hotels and more. The vibrant evening culminated in an open-air gala dinner and breathtaking light show, marking a significant milestone in golf tourism.

Gran Canaria Shines at 25th IAGTO Awards

What a dazzling night it was at the 25th IAGTO Awards ceremony held at the iconic Faro de Maspalomas lighthouse! With the gorgeous backdrop of Gran Canaria, over 800 members from the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO) gathered to celebrate excellence in golf tourism. The atmosphere was electric, with excitement buzzing through the crowd as awards were handed out to the best in the industry.

Gran Canaria Takes the Spotlight

Gran Canaria truly stole the show this year, recognized for its Outstanding Contribution to Golf Tourism. The island was lauded for hosting the vital IAGTO European Convention, showcasing its dedication to promoting golf tourism. The stunning location and warm hospitality played a big part in making it a standout venue.

A Night of Honors

The night concluded with an open-air gala dinner at Plaza del Faro Maspalomas, where delegates mingled while enjoying delicious food and drinks. As if that weren’t enough, a breathtaking audio-visual light show was projected onto the lighthouse, illuminating the night sky and adding an extra touch of magic to the evening. It was a sight to behold, creating lasting memories for everyone present.

Who Took Home the Awards?

The evening was filled with anticipation as winners were announced in various categories. The Costa del Sol walked away with the coveted title of Golf Destination of the Year, thanks to the consistent high ratings from IAGTO golf tour operators. These dedicated professionals are key players in the industry, being responsible for over 90% of international golf vacation packages sold worldwide.

The award for Golf Resorts of the Year went to some esteemed names in the world of golf, including Arabella Golf Resort in Mallorca, the Garden Park in England, Evian Resort in France, and the Sotogrande Spa & Golf Resort Hotel in Spain. There was also a nod to the Golf Course of the Year, which was awarded to the impressive Cullinan Links Golf Club in Turkey.

Further accolades were given to DMCs (Destination Management Companies) of the Year, with Golf Around Italy and Injolf Tour Operator from Portugal taking home the honors. Hotels were also recognized, with The Killarney Park in Ireland being crowned Hotel of the Year.

Local Contributions Recognized

Gran Canaria’s own Lopesan Hotels, Meloneras Golf, Anfi Golf, and Real Club de Golf de Las Palmas all received recognition for their contributions to the island’s golf tourism landscape. These establishments play a vital role in creating unforgettable experiences for golfers visiting the island.

Exciting News Beyond the Awards

The event was not just about awards; community spirit was evident as Husqvarna raised a fantastic £15,000 for Faldo Futures during a golf invitational at The Berkshire Golf Club in Ascot. Also, Yas Links Abu Dhabi made its mark by entering the Top100GolfCourses.com World Top 100 Courses ranking at an impressive 96th position.

Looking ahead, the Golf Foundation has been announced as the official charity for the upcoming BMW PGA Championship, showcasing a commitment to giving back to the community.

Tourism Ireland Takes a Step Forward

During the convention, Tourism Ireland showcased its beautiful offerings, hoping to boost golf visitor numbers from mainland Europe. With 19 golf and tourism operators from Ireland actively participating, it was a golden opportunity for networking and forging business ties.

Exciting Golfing Events on the Horizon

Golf enthusiasts have a lot to look forward to! The Open will return to Royal Portrush in the summer, and the Ryder Cup is scheduled to be held at Adare Manor in 2027. Talk about thrilling events for the golfers out there!

Looking Ahead

IAGTO has also planned an exciting calendar of global conventions for 2025, including the AGTC in Danang, the IEC returning to Gran Canaria, and the NAC in Birmingham, Alabama— all of which are already sold out! It seems the world of golf tourism is thriving and brimming with prospects!

Gran Canaria’s 25th IAGTO Awards ceremony was indeed a night to remember. It celebrated not just the winners, but the vibrant golf tourism industry that continues to flourish and delight enthusiasts worldwide!

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