Dubai Golf, operator of Emirates Golf Club, one of the world’s most iconic golf venues, Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, and Almouj Golf in Muscat, Oman, has been named Golf Tourism Supplier of the Year at the prestigious International Association of Golf Tour Operator (IAGTO) Awards held in Spain.
This important accolade, based on votes cast by IAGTO’s 500-plus member tour operators in 62 countries, recognised Dubai Golf for its commitment to international tourism, and spotlighted its online golf reservations system (www.bydubaigolf.com) which allows visitors to book tee times at its three Dubai Golf 18-hole courses. Dubai Golf also services a Central Reservations Service which allows guests to book rounds at any of the golf courses within the United Arab Emirates.
Christopher May, Chief Executive Officer, Dubai Golf, said: “In a year when Emirates Golf Club, the Middle East’s first grass golf course, celebrated its 25th anniversary and its sister course, Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club marked its 20th year, it is fitting that we have also been recognised by IAGTO members for services to the golf travel industry.
“Our courses continue to welcome international visitors from around the world – we have seen a strong growth in visitor numbers in 2013 – and the significant, and on-going, investments made by Dubai Golf underline its continued commitment to giving every guest a five-star experience to remember.”
Emirates Golf Club, which recently celebrated 1,000,000 rounds of golf played on its courses, remains an icon for golf in the UAE. Its Majlis course, ranked in Golf World Magazine’s World Top 100 Courses, has the honour of annually hosting the European Tour’s Omega Dubai Desert Classic (celebrating its 25th anniversary next year) and the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters, and through its mix of casual and fine-dining restaurants, and swimming, fitness and tennis facilities, is an all-encompassing leisure hub.
Christopher May added: “In early 2014, Dubai will become a magnet for international golf tourists once again as Emirates Golf Club hosts the 25th playing of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic. We are proud that some of our previous champions including Tiger Woods, Henrik Stenson and Rory McIlroy have already confirmed their participation and, in this special celebratory year, a stellar line-up of players will, once again, help showcase Dubai to the millions of TV viewers around the world.”
Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club similarly offers a broad, five-star leisure experience in the heart of the city. Alongside its 18-hole and par-3 courses, it boasts a new state-of-the-art golf academy, and quality restaurants within its iconic sail-shaped clubhouse and idyllic setting.
Dubai Golf also operates the recently opened Almouj Golf in Muscat, Oman, featuring an 18-hole links-style golf course designed by Greg Norman, and set against a backdrop of the HajarMountains, with breathtaking views of the Sea of Oman.
Such is the growing pedigree of the course, Almouj Golf played host to last month’s National Bank of Oman Golf Classic, the penultimate competition of the 2013 Challenge Tour.
Peter Walton, Chief Executive of IAGTO, commented: “Dubai Golf pioneered golf in the Middle East 25 years ago and continues to set the highest of standards for golf travel in the Middle East. Introduced three years ago, this award is much anticipated by the golf tourism industry as it is voted for by golf tour operators from 62 countries and recognises the very best in professionalism, dedication and service.”
This year’s 2014 IAGTO Awards Gala Dinner took place at the historic Tarragona Placa De Tores, Tarragona, Costa Daurada, Spain, on the final night of the International Golf Travel Market, the golf tourism industry’s annual global trade show.
Dubai Golf www.dubaigolf.com