Danang, Vietnam: Cambodia has been named Asia-Pacific Golf Destination of the Year at the 25th annual International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO) Awards.

Sri Lanka picked up the Undiscovered Golf Destination of the Year Award for the Asia-Pacific region.

The golf tourism industry’s IAGTO Awards are voted for by IAGTO’s 700-plus golf tour operators in 69 countries who nominate destinations, golf resorts and golf courses that delivered the best possible experience for their golf travelling clients in the past 12 months, at the time of voting.

“On behalf of the Cambodia golf industry, we are honoured to receive this Asia-Pacific Best Golf Destination of The Year Award,” said Candra Tanpatti, Director of GreenJoyTours Cambodia.

He added: “This recognition is a testament to the dedication, passion and hard work from so many individuals and organisations – the Ministry of Tourism, Cambodia Golf Federation, golf courses, hotels and tour operators who have helped to make our destination a world-class haven for golfers.”

Cambodia currently has a total of 12 golf courses, with another three on-going projects. The main golf destinations are Phnom Penh, the capital city, and also Siem Reap, the home of Angkor Wat Temple.

“The new airport in Phnom Penh is scheduled to open this year with bigger capacity and able to receive larger aircraft for long haul flights. We look forward to welcoming all of you to the greens of Cambodia, the Kingdom of Wonder,” added Tanpatti.

Golf Course of the Year Awards were presented to the golf course receiving the most votes in each of five Southeast Asian countries – Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam.

The recipients were:

Cambodia: Phokeethra Country Club

Indonesia: Damai Indah Golf

Malaysia: Horizon Hills Golf & Country Club

Thailand: Alpine Golf Club

Vietnam: Hoiana Shores Golf Club

This year’s Asia Pacific Awards took place on the final night of the 11th Asia Golf Tourism Convention (AGTC) in Danang, which attracted a record attendance of 450 delegates from 33 countries.

Discretionary Awards for their Outstanding Contribution to Golf Tourism were also presented to Danang City and to the Sheraton Grand Danang Resort & Convention Centre jointly with the Legends Danang Golf Resort.

IAGTO Chief Executive Peter Walton said: “To be able to present the Awards in front of so many representatives of the Asia-Pacific golf tourism industry was a real privilege.”