Yas Island, Abu Dhabi: Eleven golf destinations, golf courses and golf resorts from across the Asia-Pacific region have been honoured in the 24th year of the golf tourism industry’s IAGTO Awards.
For the first time, the annual IAGTO Awards were divided into three global regions, with IAGTO (International Association of Golf Tour Operators) staging its Asia-Pacific Awards in Abu Dhabi on the final night of its 10th Asia Golf Tourism Convention.
Bangkok, Miyazaki and Mauritius were named as the three destination winners during the gala event in the emirate, with seven golf courses and golf resorts being singled out for their outstanding service.
Among them were Asian Golf Industry Federation (AGIF) Facility members Kota Permai Golf & Country Club and Vattanac Golf Resort, which were voted as Golf Course of the Year in Malaysia and Cambodia respectively.
Sheren Yong, Kota Permai’s General Manager, said: “We are grateful that Kota Permai Golf & Country Club has been honoured as the Golf Course of the Year for Malaysia. Thank you to IAGTO Awards for this recognition and providing us a platform to strengthen our position as one of the preferred golf destinations in Asia.”
Vattanac Golf Resort’s Chris Geraghty said: “We’re honoured, humbled, and delighted to accept this recognition on behalf of our ownership, Troon Golf and all of our associates at Vattanac Golf Resort, in Phnom Penh. This award is further recognition of our relentless dedication to exceeding guest expectations.”
Following on from the Asia-Pacific Awards, the European and American Awards will be announced in May and June respectively, prior to IAGTO’s European and American conventions.
IAGTO Chief Executive Peter Walton said: “Votes were cast by our 660 golf tour operators worldwide at the beginning of the year for the destinations, golf resorts and golf courses that delivered outstanding service to their clients.
“Announcing the awards regionally provides the recipients the best opportunity to make the most of this accolade.”
IAGTO says it recognises only a select few golf destinations and golf resorts or golf courses each year as nominated by its member tour operators and ‘adapts the awards to existing market situations’.
IAGTO 2024 Asia-Pacific Awards
Southeast Asia Golf Destination of the Year Award: Bangkok
East Asia Golf Destination of the Year Award: Miyazaki
Tropical Island Golf Destination of the Year Award: Mauritius
Golf Course of the Year Award for Australia: 13th Beach Golf Links
Golf Course of the Year Award for Cambodia: Vattanac Golf Resort
Golf Resort of the Year Award for China: Mission Hills Haikou
Golf Resort of the Year Award for Indonesia: Gunung Geulis Golf Resort
Golf Course of the Year Award for Malaysia: Kota Permai Golf & Country Club
Golf Course of the Year Award for Thailand: Nikanti Golf Club
Golf Course of the Year Award for Vietnam: Ba Na Hills Golf Club
Outstanding Contribution to Golf Tourism: Abu Dhabi