Nils Flaatten, CEO of Wesgro, the Western Cape's official tourism, trade and investment promotion agency, collected the award on behalf of the province.
The IAGTO Awards, sponsored by Etihad Airways, the official carrier of the United Arab Emirates based in Abu Dhabi, is the global trade organisation for the golf tourism industry. Established in 1997, the IAGTO's membership comprises of 2 119 accredited golf tour operators, golf resorts, hotels, golf courses, receptive operators, airlines, tourist boards, approved media and business partners in 95 countries including, at its core, 518 specialist golf tour operators in 62 countries. It is estimated that the IAGTO's operators control over 85 per cent of the golf holiday packages sold worldwide with a turnover of more than 1-billion euro or R13,7-billion per year. Each operator was asked to nominate what they considered to be the best performing golf destinations enjoyed by their golf travelling clients during 2013.
"It is fantastic to win this award in which we were up against nominees in Mauritius, Kenya, Abu Dhabi and Morocco and I hope it will encourage more golfers to visit this beautiful part of the Western Cape," Flaatten said. "Golf tourism is one of the contributing factors in driving economic growth through tourism and also provides jobs in areas that rely on tourism."
Kerrin Titmas, chief executive officer of Fancourt, said, "We are thrilled about the award as it illustrates that the world recognises the uniqueness of the destination and values what we have to offer. I hope that receiving this award will highlight to the local municipal and tourism stakeholders the importance of the region and that we are stronger globally when we appear as a region and not as individual destinations."
Jaco le Roux, general manager of the Hyatt Regency Oubaai, said, "We are delighted that the Garden Route is getting the recognition it so richly deserves. It is a premier destination, with something to offer all tourists, the beautiful beaches, the pristine nature reserves, safaris and of course luxurious hotels and golf resorts." Le Roux added, "We are equally delighted that Ernie Els received an Honorary Award at the awards ceremony, as Oubaai Golf Course is Ernie Els' first signature course in South Africa."
"The Garden Route is a very special place to me and definitely a golfing destination worthy of being the Golf Destination of the Year," said Els, receiving his Honorary Award.
Sandra Lennox, general manager of the George Golf Course, said, "We are thrilled that our beautiful region has been awarded this prize. The Garden Route has long since been considered the 'Mecca of Golf' in South Africa and this award cements this sentiment. With 14 different courses to choose from, all within easy driving distance from one another, who wouldn't want to visit the region and sample some of the best courses in the country."
Gert Venter, general manager of Conrad Pezula Resort and Spa in Knysna, is not surprised as "the breathtaking beauty of the Garden Route is the perfect backdrop to the premium facilities that lie dotted throughout the length of the route. As a proud member of the Garden Route community, the team at Conrad Pezula are delighted at this latest accolade and we will continue to play our part in promoting this outstanding region of South Africa to a global audience."
Western Cape Minister of Finance, Economic Deve-lopment and Tourism Alan Winde said he was happy the Garden Route region had won the prestigious award. "The golf courses here are some of the world's best, attracting professional players from around the world. This is a major coup for one of the Western Cape's most visited regions and it will no doubt further boost tourism re-
venue and job creation in the area."
George Mayor Charles Standers expressed his delight with the recognition of the award. "This serves as confirmation that the golf courses in our region can compete, and hold their own, with the best in the world. I am convinced that this award will have a positive impact on sports tourism and job creation in the region."
Posing with hostesses from the main awards sponsor, Etihad Airways, are, second left: Nils Flaatten, CEO of WESGRO, middle: HE Fikile Magubane, South African Ambassador in Madrid, and second right: Giles Greenwood, director, IAGTO.
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