The Algarve Tourist Board's top man said that it’s all down to the Algarve that Portugal won the award for the 'best golf destination in Europe' and the 'best golf destination in the world' at the first edition of the World Golf Awards.
The announcement that Portugal had won these two awards came at a packed ceremony at the Hotel Conrad Algarve, Quinta do Lago.
The two categories won by Portugal - ‘best golf destination in Europe’ and ‘best golf destination in the world’ - were "largely due to the excellence of the golf courses in the Algarve" admitted the judges.
On stage to receive the awards was of course the ubiquitous Desidério Silva, head of the Algarve Tourism Board,
"It is a great privilege to receive, on behalf of the country, two such important awards in the golf market, even more so as the Algarve’s courses were crucial in this choice," gushed our man as he received the brace of trophies.
As a result of this two big wins and from the worldwide publicity thereby created, the awards will -
"Certainly be useful for national tourism, and in particular Algarve tourism for golf, a vital product for the tourism sector," continued Silva, according to whom "the country has much to gain from the honour of this global distinction." Quite so.
The World Golf Awards were instituted this year and are integrated in the World Travel Awards which have been running since 1993.
The event also saw St Andrews Links, Old Course recognised as the World’s Best Golf Course, while The Els Club Teluk Datai was awarded the honour of World's Best New Golf Course.
In two special presentations, Peter Alliss was recognised with the Lifetime Achievement Award for Services to the Golf Industry, while victorious European Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley was awarded the honour of Golf Personality of the Year.
World Golf Awards managing director Chris Frost said: “Tonight has been a tremendous success and it has been an honour to welcome so many key players from the global golf hospitality industry here to Conrad Algarve for this inaugural Gala Ceremony.
“My congratulations go out to all out winners, this is recognition you so richly deserve.”
He added: “This is just the start of the journey for World Golf Awards. We will return to Conrad Algarve next year for the Gala Ceremony 2015 and I look forward to greeting many of our nominees from this evening in 12 months time.”
In an event hosted by renowned sports journalist Steve Rider, Sawgrass Marriott Resort & Spa also took the title of World's Best Golf Hotel, while World's Best Golf Tour Operator went to Haversham & Baker Golfing Expeditions.
Elsewhere, voters awarded the title of Caribbean's Best Golf Destination to Dominican Republic, while Europe's Best New Golf Course went to the newly renovated Quinta do Lago - North Course.
The presentation of the awards was the centrepiece of a three-day itinerary for the event, which saw guests enjoy some of the world-class facilities on offer at the Quinta do Lago Resort.
Good news too for the Conrad, which announced that it has been chosen to host the 2015 awards.
Comments
These awards are from the golf industry voting for the golf industry. A more interesting vote would be by players voting on categories including affordability. The Algarve would not perform at all well but if the course owners are happy with the current price/volume ratio then it is up to them what they charge.
The Algarve is a great Golf destination but its pricing in recent years makes it hard to believe that it has won these prizes.
Golf buggies ranging from €35 to €60 the norm. That is for 4 and half hours use, you can hire a car for less than €20 and get 24 hours use.
The Portuguese perceive golfers to be millionaires because they are here on holiday playing 5/6 days of their holiday and paying exorbitant greenfees. Therefore there is the attitude that they can afford them and greenfees are remain high. For many of these golfers, this kind of holiday is a once off due to the high cost. Furthermore many of these golfers are used to paying prices nearer to £15/ £20 for their round back home and as for being millionaires it couldnt be further from the truth.