27 November 2006

South Africa's Cape Garden Route has been named 2006 Golf Destination of the Year for Africa and the Middle East by the International Association for Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO), the global trade organisation for the golf tourism industry.

The Garden Route beat destinations such as Dubai and Mauritius in picking up the award, made last Thursday at the IAGTO's International Golf Travel Market in Marbella, Spain.

The IAGTO's membership comprises more than 900 accredited golf tour operators, golf resorts, hotels, golf courses, operators, airlines and tourist boards in 72 countries worldwide.

More than 200 golf tour operators from 38 countries vote for the IAGTO's Golf Destination of the Year awards, basing their votes on quality of golf courses and accommodation, customer service, professional conduct of suppliers, support from local tourism authorities, value for money and accessibility of tee-off times.

The Cape Garden Route is home to the Fancourt Hotel & Country Estate where the Presidents Cup was hosted in 2003, Goose Valley, designed by the Gary Player Group, and Pezula Golf Club, situated on one of the most magnificent locations in South Africa.

It also has five other 18-hole and eight 9-hole golf courses and a driving range.

Golf courses in the wider Western Cape province range from quality local clubs in most towns and cities to international standard golf and leisure resorts situated in Cape Town, the Winelands, Overberg and the Garden Route.

"The scenic settings and wealth of golfing facilities available in the Garden Route and Western Cape enables the province to offer visitors an unparalleled golfing experience," says Dave Frandsen of Cape Town Routes Unlimited, the tourism destination marketing organisation for Cape Town and the Western Cape.

"Research shows that there are around 57 million golfers worldwide - one percent of the world's population - who have access to 31 000 golf courses," says Frandsen. "This means that a huge market is available to destinations that have the right offering. It also means that golfers can afford to be selective.

"The Western Cape's established golfing culture and mild, temperate climate offers a unique, year-round experience with a proven capability to confidently host major events. Add to this our renowned reputation for hospitality and service and you have the components for a truly world-class golfing destination."

SouthAfrica.info reporter

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