Marrakech, Morocco: Fast-emerging Asian golfing hotspot Cambodia has been named 2020 Undiscovered Golf Destination of the Year in the 20th annual IAGTO Awards.

Announced at a ceremony on the final day of the International Golf Travel Market, the honour marked a notable double for the country as the Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort in Siem Reap was named 2020 Asia Pacific Golf Resort of the Year.

The Undiscovered Golf Destination award is voted for by more than 230 worldwide golf journalist members of the International Golf Travel Writers Association in 43 countries and has previously been won by neighbouring Vietnam among other now-established golfing regions and nations.

Cambodia’s Tourism Minister, His Excellency Dr Thong Khon, said: “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 Southeast Asia, we look forward to welcoming thousands of first time golf visitors to Cambodia.”

Candra Tanpatti, Managing Director of inbound tour operator PSD Travel Cambodia, added: “On behalf of the golf tourism industry players in Cambodia, we are delighted to achieve this international recognition for our on-going work to establish Cambodia as a must-visit golf destination in Southeast Asia.”