Tag: Golf Tourism

12Apr By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business

IAGTO’s three global golf tourism conventions fully booked for 2025

IAGTO, the International Association of Golf Tour Operators, has announced that its three global conventions in 2025 – the 11th Asia Golf Tourism Convention (AGTC) in Danang, the 3rd IAGTO European Convention (IEC) in Gran Canaria and the 16th North America Golf Tourism Convention (NAC) in Birmingham, Alabama – are now sold out, having attracted approximately 650 golf resorts, golf courses, hotels, inbound operators and tourism boards as exhibitors.  IAGTO is still taking registrations for buyers (golf tour operators) for the IEC and NAC events, and the capacity for both has been increased in order to accommodate even more hosted buyers. AGTC 2025 in Danang, Vietnam concluded on 5 April and attracted a record 450 delegates, 100 more than any of the previous 10 editions.  Peter Walto...

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16Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Hotels & Resorts, Venues & Stadiums

Leading Courses ranks Costa Navarino as Europe’s best golf resort for 2025

Leading Courses has unveiled the ninth edition of its "Europe’s Best Golf Resorts" ranking and Costa Navarino in Greece has taken the top spot.  Based on traveller reviews, the ranking is compiled using scores composed of 50% ratings from leadingcourses.com and 50% hotel and resort reviews from Booking.com. Resorts not listed on Booking.com are ineligible for the ranking, even if they might be considered among the best.  Additionally, bonus points are awarded to resorts with multiple golf courses – more holes mean more golfing enjoyment. In the case of a tie, the golf course rating determines the final ranking. If everything is still equal, the position is shared. For many golf travellers, a resort with multiple golf courses is a major advantage. It offers the ultimate luxury: ...

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12Oct By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business

IAGTO launches three global golf tourism conventions for 2025

IAGTO – the International Association of Golf Tour Operators – has announced Danang in Vietnam, Gran Canaria in Spain, and Alabama in the US as the host destinations for its three global golf tourism conventions taking place in 2025. Established in 1997, IAGTO is the global trade organisation of the golf tourism industry with more than 2,200 member companies in 92 countries, including 662 golf tour operators in 68 countries, responsible for more than 90% of all golf vacation packages sold worldwide.   The three conventions confirmed for 2025 are:  11th Asia Golf Tourism Convention (AGTC) in Danang, Vietnam, from 2-4 April 2025  3rd IAGTO European Convention (IEC) in Gran Canaria, Spain, from 19-21 May  2025  16th North America Golf Tourism Con...

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1Sep By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Holidays & Trips, Hotels & Resorts

Italy golf holidays: the ‘ultimate golf getaway’ to Rome 

The First Roma by The Pavilions Hotels & Resorts has launched the “Ultimate Golf Getaway” in partnership with Parco di Roma Golf Club. The new three-night experience blends exploration of the Eternal City and its timeless beauty, with exquisite accommodation and time on Parco di Roma’s pristine greens and fairways, complete with views of St Peter’s Dome.  Comprising The First Musica, Rome by The Pavilions; The First Dolce, Rome by The Pavilions; and the recently refurbished The First Arte, Rome by The Pavilions, The First Roma by The Pavilions Hotels & Resorts offers a unique deconstructed urban resort experience that highlights the sights, tastes and sounds of Rome as part of each guest’s journey. Each of the three hotels is an elegant retreat in the heart of the city, co...

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25Nov By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Holidays & Trips

UAE golf travel: ‘stay and play’ at Al Zorah Golf Club and Oberoi Beach Resort

Al Zorah Golf Club and The Oberoi Beach Resort, Al Zorah, in the UAE are offering golfers the opportunity to experience a luxury getaway this winter after releasing an exclusive “stay and play” golf package. Guests can take advantage of world-class golf – and a stunning climate – with an array of five-star benefits over the coming months at one of the UAE’s most spectacular destinations, which is situated just 30 minutes from Dubai International Airport in the heart of Al Zorah City.  The Troon-managed Al Zorah Golf Club opened for play in 2015 and is already regarded as one of the best courses in the Middle East. Designed by legendary 18-time major champion Jack Nicklaus, the course meanders around a natural mangrove landscape and two spectacular lakes. With a driving range and extens...

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6Nov By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business

World Golf Awards 2023: Portugal named world’s best golf destination

The World Golf Awards has announced the big winners for 2023 at its tenth annual gala ceremony, held in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Portugal enjoyed a strong showing and was named the world’s best golf destination, and The Algarve’s Quinta do Lago – South Course (pictured) claimed the best golf course in Europe award. Dunas Golf Course, Terras da Comporta collected two best newcomer categories: Europe’s best new golf course and world’s best new golf course.  Serapong Course at Singapore’s Sentosa Golf Club emerged victorious by taking the coveted title of world’s best golf course and Australian golfing legend-turned-designer Greg Norman was named golf course designer of the year.  Apes Hills Barbados, with its lush tropical setting and stunning coastal views, was voted the world’s best eco...

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Golf: World Champions Cup

The World Champions Cup, a new international match play team golf event, will be held for the first time from 7-10 December 2023. Hosted at The Concession Golf Club in Bradenton, Florida, the three-team tournament is sanctioned by the PGA Tour and will see Team International, Team USA, and Team Europe compete for the cup. https://twitter.com/WorldChampsCup/status/1648424249907093504 Three legends of the sport – Jim Furyk (Team USA), Ernie Els (Team International) and Darren Clarke (Team Europe) – have been confirmed as the team captains. The World Champions Cup will be contested across three days of nine-hole matches (both team formats and singles play). Points will be earned for holes won in each match – all matches will go the full nine-holes. After three-days, the team with the hi...

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Men’s golf: Horizon Irish Open 2024

The Horizon Irish Open, a tournament on the men’s golf DP World Tour (European Tour), will return to Northern Ireland in 2024. Taking place at Royal County Down Golf Club in Newcastle, County Down, from 12-15 September 2024, this will be the fifth edition of the Irish Open to be held in Northern Ireland.  Voted No.1 in the World’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses by Golf Digest magazine in 2017, 2018 and 2019, Royal County Down is located in one of the world’s “most naturally beautiful links settings” in the Murlough Nature Reserve, said Discover Northern Ireland. For ticket information and hotels see: Tickets: europeantour.com Hotels in Newcastle, NI: Expedia | Hotels.com | LastMinute.com     Editor’s note: Sports Tourism Media works with a number of affilia...

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30Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Guides

Golf in Puerto Rico: three of the best golf courses 

Boasting around 30 idyllic golf courses, Puerto Rico is regarded as one of the Caribbean’s top places to play golf. With almost year-round sunshine, stunning scenery and welcoming locals, the unincorporated territory of the United States is an ideal destination for a golfing getaway. Here we look at three of the best golf courses in Puerto Rico. TPC Dorado Beach https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DN7wV07WHdw Located at the luxurious Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Dorado, Puerto Rico, TPC Dorado Beach is home to two world-class golf courses: the East Course and Sugarcane Course. When not playing host to the PGA Tour, the Grand Reserve Golf Club provides visitors with a one-of-a-kind tropical golfing experience. The course is known in the professional golf scene as the most...

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27Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Holidays & Trips, Sports Travel

Links, lochs and isles: Hebridean Princess to host UK ‘golf cruise’ in 2024

For one week only in September next year, the Hebridean Princess cruise ship will treat golfers to an awe-inspiring Gaelic links, lochs and isles “golf cruise” in Scotland and Northern Ireland.  The Hebridean Island Cruises' luxury liner, which is part of the PoB Hotels collection, accommodates just 48 guests. Taking place from 10-17 September 2024, the golf cruise will start and end in the town of Oban, which is known as the “gateway to the Isles”. Guests will enjoy seven nights on board the Hebridean Princess and the trip includes two gala dinners.  Available for golfers of all abilities, many of the courses are set in spectacular rolling sand dunes with stunning coastal views. “The added benefit is that nobody needs to be an expert to enjoy this wonderful cruise,” Hebridean Islan...

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18Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Bucket List, Guides, Holidays & Trips, Hotels & Resorts

Scottish golf bucket list: best golf resorts in Scotland

Here at Sports Tourism Media we love a bit of golf – and we also love Scotland. Okay, we're definitely not good enough to be swinging with the best of 'em on the top golf courses in the home of golf, but every hacker can dream, right? In this round-up – which is pretty much our Scotland golf travel bucket list – we pick out some of Scotland's best "stay and play" golf resorts and hotels (ranked in no particular order). These places are so picturesque that even if your game isn't up to scratch, they're worth a visit just to admire the scenery. And there's the bonus of a dram or two of Scotch, of course... Did you know? The East Lothian region is known as “Scotland’s golf coast”. Along 30 miles of coastal terrain there are 21 Scottish golf courses, which makes it the "g...

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Golf Festival Kitzbühel – Austrian Tirol

From 18-25 June 2023, the centre of Kitzbühel in the Austrian Tirol will be transformed into a golfing haven for the Golf Festival Kitzbühel, with keen golfers gathering to participate in the unique tournament. The highlight of the week is Golf the Streif, 12 holes at 800m altitude, previously known as Streif-Attack. The aim is to conquer the Streif, considered the world’s most difficult downhill ski course, but with a golf club rather than skis.  Away from the golf course, award-winning chefs and selected winegrowers will provide delicious meals and wine pairings to ensure the tastiest golf week of the summer. This is golfing with a culinary twist, a festival of flavour as well as sport.  See more at kitzbuehel.com and tyrol.com  Image: kitzbuehel.com

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2024 ​​IAGTO European Convention, Malaga

Global golf tourism organisation the IAGTO (International Association of Golf Tour Operators) has announced that its European Convention will return to Andalucía in Spain in 2024. Held from 13-15 May 2024, the event will take place in the city of Málaga, the gateway to the “Costa del Golf”. Established in 1997, IAGTO’s membership comprises almost 2,500 accredited golf tour operators, golf resorts, hotels, golf courses, receptive operators, airlines, tourist boards, approved media and business partners in 90 countries including, at its core, 675 specialist golf tour operators in 61 countries. IAGTO’s operators control more than 90% of golf holiday packages sold worldwide and turnover more than €2.5bn per year. For event information and hotels see: Event details: iagto.com Hote...

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27Sep By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Guides, Holidays & Trips, Sports Travel

Golf in Italy: eight of the best golf courses in Emilia Romagna

With more than 20 courses, the northern Italian region of Emilia Romagna is an ideal destination for both beginner and professional golfers alike. It also provides a rich cultural background to enjoy in-between rounds, meaning golfers can combine spa holidays, food and wine, and art on their trip. Here we take a look at eight of the best golf courses in Emilia Romagna, Italy.  Adriatic Golf Club Cervia, Ravenna This charming 27-hole golf club (top picture) is located amongst pine forests and salt lakes, a setting of natural beauty just a short distance from the sea. Enjoy water obstacles and innovative design that guarantees enjoyment for golfer across all levels. Previously, the Italian PGA Championships have been held here on several occasions, the latest being held in 2019. The c...

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3May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business, Sports Travel

£30m relaunch: Apes Hill in Barbados aims to become ‘the best golfing experience in the Caribbean’

A golf performance and teaching centre featuring a state-of-the-art Titleist Performance Institute (TPI), the first of its kind in the Caribbean, will open at Apes Hill Golf & Beach Club in Barbados in January 2022.  Utilising the latest technology and a science-based approach, Apes Hill's Golf Performance and Teaching Centre will evaluate every aspect of a player's game to perfect their swing and unlock their full potential. Apes Hill has worked with experts Dave Phillips and Tim Cutshall in designing and fitting the centre. Key features will include a specialised swing analysis teaching bay with a PuttView ball tracking green and an agnostic club fitting system with trackman technology. Currently undergoing a £30m renovation, Apes Hill Golf & Beach Club is relaunchi...

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14Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Holidays & Trips, Sports Travel

Golf in Scotland | Gifts and experiences

Scotland is the home of golf and boasts some of the best courses in the world. Here, we pick out some of the best Scottish golf breaks and experiences on offer from our affiliate partners such as BuyAGift.com, Red Letter Days, Expedia and LastMinute.com.  Editor’s note: Sports Tourism Media works in partnership with a number of affiliate companies, so we may earn a commission should you choose to book any deals or packages. All details are provided by affiliate partners. Prices subject to change and correct at the time of publishing.  Scotland holidays and hotels LastMinute.com Scotland holidays: lastminute.com/holidays/scotland Scotland hotels: lastminute.com/hotels/scotland The Kingdom of Fife Tee off at over 45 golf courses in The Kingdom of Fife Hotels in F...

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22Feb By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business, Sports Travel

Entries now open for the 2021 World Golf Awards

Golf tourism constitutes a vital segment of the global sports travel marketplace. And the success of the World Golf Awards over the past seven years has created much excitement within golf tourism, ensuring year-on-year growth for the industry event. World Golf Awards has announced its annual call for entries for inclusion in its 2021 programme. The best golf brands and products from across the world are invited to submit their applications to participate and stand a chance to win the ultimate industry accolade. This year’s programme celebrates the full spectrum of the global golf tourism sector. Categories include Best Golf Course, Best Golf Hotel and Golf Course Designer of the Year, and winners range from small companies to global brands. Voting runs from 23 February to 1 ...

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16Feb By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business

Scottish Golf Tourism Week’s next edition will now be held in autumn

The staging of the 5th Scottish Golf Tourism Week, which was rearranged from November to this spring, has now been cancelled due to Covid-19 restrictions.  Organised by PSP Media Group, the event had originally been scheduled to take place at Fairmont St Andrews from 5-11 November 2020, but was then postponed to 31 March-1 April 2021. However, the recent developments and subsequent announcements early in 2021 relating to the pandemic’s continued impact has led to the cancellation of the rescheduled event. Organisers will now focus their efforts and work in tandem with partners VisitScotland on the return of Scottish Golf Tourism Week later this year with the 2021 event taking place as normal in the autumn. Dates will be announced in due course. Tom Lovering, PSP Media commer...

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1Jan By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Guides, Holidays & Trips

Dominican Republic golf travel guide: best golf courses and resorts

With 30 top-class golf courses the Dominican Republic is regularly dubbed the “golfing capital of Latin America and the Caribbean”.   Some of the industry’s top architects and designers - including Jack Nicklaus, Robert Trent Jones Sr, Gary Player and Tom Fazio - have built golf courses in the Caribbean nation. Named Latin America and the Caribbean golf destination of the year by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO) in 2019, the Dominican Republic welcomes more than 200,000 golf tourists every year. Golf tourism and events generate an economic impact of almost €300m (£251m) on an annual basis.  While the courses are open year-round, the best time to play is from December to March when the weather is a little cooler and less humid. There is a benefit to playing in...

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25Nov By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business, Sports Travel

4,000 meetings take place at 2019 Scottish Golf Tourism Week

The 2019 Scottish Golf Tourism Week (SGTW) was a resounding success with more than 4,000 meetings taking place during the event. Held from 28 October to 1 November at the five-star Fairmont St Andrews in Fife, the fourth edition of the trade event saw golf businesses network with international tour operators.  Organisers said on Twitter: “The Scottish Golf Tourism Week is the biggest tourism event for all businesses deriving revenue from the golf market. Over 100 businesses carry out more than 4,000 face-to-face meetings with over 100 international tour operators.” The 2018 SGTW is expected to directly contribute £19.1m worth of additional business to Scotland by 2021, and organisers expect the 2019 edition to be even more successful.  It’s also been announced that next year’...

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