IRELAND
VOTED INTERNATIONAL GOLF VACATIONS DESTINATION OF THE YEAR 2004
240,000 international
golfers enjoy Ireland's golfing product
Ireland,
which attracts over 240,000 golfers from across the world each year, has
been voted International Golf Destination of the Year - 2004 by the
members of the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO).
The
Association's 145 members in 28 countries gave
Ireland
the highest rating for:
- Customer
satisfaction,
- Quality
of golf courses and accommodation,
- Value
for money,
-
Professional conduct of suppliers,
- Support
from the local tourism industry,
-
Accessibility to tee times.
Top
World and European ranked golfer Padraig Harrington said: "I'm not
surprised at this latest recognition for Irish golf. I play all over the
World and in my experience Ireland's whole golfing package in terms of
choice and quality of courses, combined with that distinctive Irish
welcome, is something special".
Ireland's nomination as International Golf Destination of the Year
- 2004, reflects the significant investment that Ireland has made in
the development and marketing of Ireland's golfing product in the past 10
years. This features Ireland being nominated to stage the Ryder Cup
in 2006 at The K Club.
Ireland now attracts in the region of 240,000 golfing visitors annually,
generating close to €200 million for the Irish exchequer. The breakdown of
visitors into Ireland shows approximately 153,600 from the UK; 45,600 from
the USA; 40,800 from Continental Europe and 6 per cent or 14,400
representing the Rest of the World.
Golf
Ireland has over 400 golf courses including one third of the world's links
courses. |
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