Destinations and golf resorts across North America, the Caribbean and Latin America have been honoured in the Americas section of the 24th edition of the annual IAGTO Awards – the golf tourism industry’s “Oscars”.
Voted for by tour operator members of global golf tourism industry organisation IAGTO, the awards recognise the outstanding service provided by golf resorts and golf destinations during the past year.
The IAGTO Americas Awards were announced at the IAGTO North America Convention (NAC) at Boyne Mountain Resort, in northern Michigan, known as America’s summer golf destination. Recipients in 2024 are from the USA, Mexico, the Dominican Republic and Argentina.
Announcing the seven winners of the most prestigious awards in golf tourism at the Opening Address of NAC, Peter Walton, Chief Executive of IAGTO, said: “Golf tour operators responsible for 90% of all international golf tourism organised travel have once again focused worldwide attention on a handful of suppliers and destinations that delivered the best possible experience to their golf travelling clients over the past 12 months.”
The Americas Awards follow the announcement of IAGTO’s Asia Pacific Awards in March and European and African Awards in May.
The winners in the Americas region are:
North American Golf Destination of the Year: CALIFORNIA
Caribbean Golf Destination of the Year: DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
Latin American Golf Destination of the Year: ARGENTINA
Golf Resort of the Year: PALMETTO DUNES OCEANFRONT RESORT
Golf Resort of the Year: NEMACOLIN
Golf Resort of the Year: MAYAKOBA RESORT
Golf Resort of the Year: PUNTACANA RESORT
WINNERS COMMENTS
North American Golf Destination of the Year – California
“California is the Ultimate Playground for travel – and that fact is especially apparent in the state’s abundance of exceptional golf experiences. On behalf of the many world-class golf destinations across our state, it is a tremendous honour to receive recognition from IAGTO tour operators as North America’s Golf Destination of the Year.”
Caroline Beteta, President & CEO, Visit California
Caribbean Golf Destination of the Year – Dominican Republic
“The Dominican Republic is the undisputed golf destination leader in the Caribbean, renowned for its magnificent courses designed by legends like Pete Dye, PB Dye, Jack Nicklaus, Robert Trent Jones Sr, Gary Player, Tom Fazio, Nick Price and Greg Norman. Voted 2024 Golf Destination of the Year for the Caribbean by IAGTO, this marks the fifth time our country has received this prestigious honour. With 28 stunning and challenging courses, the Dominican Republic remains the Golf Capital of the Caribbean. Experience the perfect blend of challenging play and breathtaking scenery. Book your golfing adventure today!”
Wendy Justo, USA Director, Dominican Republic Tourism Board
Golf Resort of the Year – Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
“It is an honour for us at Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort to be recognised as one of two Golf Resorts of the Year in the USA by IAGTO. This means a great deal to us considering all of the other spectacular golf resorts, not only on Hilton Head Island but across the entire state of South Carolina and beyond. We value the life-long relationships we have built with others in the industry and appreciate the willingness to work together to make the love of golf the strongest it’s been in history. Thank you again for recognising us and we look forward to working with everyone in IAGTO for years to come.”
Brad Marra, Chief Operating Officer, Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort
Golf Resort of the Year – Nemacolin, Pennsylvania
“Nemacolin is so thrilled and honoured to be named the 2024 IAGTO Golf Resort of the Year! We feel our product is so unique and magical with our two Pete Dye championship golf courses, the variety of accommodations and numerous activities for golfers and non-golfers. It is wonderful to be recognised in this way and we hope to welcome many IAGTO members and their valued clients in the year to come!”
Jess Ohler, Golf Sales Manager, Nemacolin
Golf Resort of the Year – Mayakoba Resort, Riviera Maya, Mexico
“We're incredibly honoured that Mayakoba has been named as a Golf Resort of the Year in the Americas by IAGTO’s esteemed golf tour operators. We’re grateful for their recognition and the valuable platform IAGTO provides to showcase Mayakoba’s unparalleled offerings – a haven of four ultra-luxury hotels and residences alongside the legendary El Camaleón Golf Course. This recognition fuels our commitment to continuously elevate Mayakoba’s position as a leader in the luxury golf and hospitality sector.”
Kappner Clark, Vice President Sales & Marketing, RLH Properties
Golf Resort of the Year – Puntacana Resort, Dominican Republic
"We are immensely proud and honoured to be recognised as one of the Golf Resorts of the Year by IAGTO members. We strive to offer amazing experiences for the most discerning golfers in search of it all: exceptional golf, delicious food, dependable weather, spectacular beaches and simple logistics. This prestigious award is a testament to our efforts paying off; however, it only fuels us to do more and be better. Despite being the original Punta Cana and a pioneer in the tourism industry, we feel like this is just the beginning. We thank you for putting your trust in us.”
Mark Fraser, Manager – Golf Sales, Puntacana Resort
PHOTOS
A selection of photos can be downloaded from this link.
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About IAGTO & IAGTO Awards
Established in 1997, IAGTO is the global trade organisation of the golf tourism industry, and has 2345 members in 95 countries including 667 golf tour operator members in 69 countries, which are responsible for more than 90% of golf vacation packages sold worldwide and which collectively have annual sales of over US $2.5 billion. IAGTO runs three annual conventions spanning the globe, with events in Europe, North America and Asia, along with regular Destination Conventions. IAGTO established the International Golf Travel Writers Association in 2000, the year in which the first prestigious annual IAGTO Awards also took place.
