Travel Archives

PGA OF AMERICA OFFERS DELUXE VIP PGA GRAND SLAM EXPERIENCE PACKAGE

July 19, 2012 by The Original Golf Blogger

PGA OF AMERICA’S DELUXE VIP PGA GRAND SLAM EXPERIENCE PACKAGE GETS A BOOST WITH U.S. OPEN CHAMPION WEBB SIMPSON JOINING MASTERS CHAMPION BUBBA WATSON IN BERMUDA

Golf Excursion to Bermuda offers Exclusive Access to the 30th PGA Grand Slam of Golf featuring the Year’s Major Champions

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla.—It’s a golf getaway like no other, as it offers the chance to see golf’s four major winners (The Masters, U.S. Open, Open Championship and PGA Championship) up close in a competition to determine the 2012 PGA Grand Slam of Golf Champion.

The PGA of America’s Deluxe VIP PGA Grand Slam Experience package offers a six-night excursion for golf travelers to the beautiful island of Bermuda to play multiple rounds of golf, while getting exclusive access to a season-ending showcase event that boasts the most difficult requirement in the game – a Major Championship victory.

The 30th PGA Grand Slam of Golf, which returns to the Port Royal Golf Course in Southampton, Bermuda, Oct. 22-24, has featured past champions such as Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson and Ernie Els. U.S. Open Champion Webb Simpson joins Masters Champion Bubba Watson to make up the first half of this year’s elite foursome, who will be joined by the winners of the Open Championship, July 19-22, at Royal Lytham & St Annes in Lancashire, England and the 94th PGA Championship, Aug. 9-12, at The Ocean Course in Kiawah Island, S.C.

As part of the excitement surrounding the PGA Grand Slam of Golf and the island of Bermuda, which boasts seven spectacular golf courses, The PGA of America has created a Deluxe VIP PGA Grand Slam Experience golf package. The package features six nights of luxury accommodations at The Fairmont Southampton; breakfast daily; three days admission to the PGA Grand Slam of Golf; daily transfers to/from the hotel to Port Royal and transportation to and from the Bermuda airport.

Highlighting this package is exclusive access to the PGA Welcome Reception on Sunday evening, Oct. 21, and an invitation to the exclusive Champions Celebration on Tuesday, Oct. 23, where guests will experience a fireside chat with the Major Champions and then enjoy a spectacular dinner. In addition, the Deluxe VIP PGA Grand Slam Experience package includes one round of golf at Fairmount Southampton Par 3 Golf Course and one round of golf at Port Royal Golf Course on Friday, Oct. 26, where the four Major Champions will battle it out earlier in the week.

The package prices, which include tax, range from $1,869 – $2,728 per person, based on double occupancy, length of stay and rounds of golf. Golfers interested in purchasing the getaway packages from The PGA of America can visit http://www.premiergolf.com or call 1-866-260-4409.

The PGA of America is also offering the PGA Grand Slam Experience package, which includes four nights of accommodations at the Fairmount Southampton; breakfast daily; transportation to and from the Bermuda airport to the Fairmont Southampton; daily general admission tickets to the PGA Grand Slam of Golf; and daily tournament transportation. The package prices, including tax, range from $742 – $1,177 per person, based on double occupancy and length of stay.

The PGA Grand Slam of Golf features a $1.35 million purse, with the winner receiving $600,000; second place $300,000; third place $250,000 and fourth place $200,000. TNT’s prime-time broadcast of the event is distributed to a worldwide audience of 500 million viewers in more than 100 countries.

Hosted by the Bermuda Department of Tourism, Port Royal Golf Course, and the Fairmont Southampton Hotel, the PGA Grand Slam of Golf was established in 1979 and has grown from an 18-hole, single-day charity event to a 36-hole annual showdown that matches professional golf’s best against each other.

The PGA of America

Since its founding in 1916, The PGA of America has maintained a twofold mission: to establish and elevate the standards of the profession and to grow interest and participation in the game of golf. By establishing and elevating the standards of the golf profession through world-class education, career services, marketing and research programs, The PGA enables its professionals to maximize their performance in their respective career paths and showcases them as experts in the game and in the multi-billion dollar golf industry. By creating and delivering world-class championships and innovative programs, The PGA of America elevates the public’s interest in the game, the desire to play more golf, and ensures accessibility to the game for everyone, everywhere. As The PGA nears its centennial, the PGA brand represents the very best in golf.
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FOLLOW BUBBA TO BERMUDA…PGA OF AMERICA DEBUTS THE DELUXE VIP PGA GRAND SLAM EXPERIENCE PACKAGE

June 3, 2012 by The Original Golf Blogger

FOLLOW BUBBA TO BERMUDA…PGA OF AMERICA DEBUTS
THE DELUXE VIP PGA GRAND SLAM EXPERIENCE PACKAGE

Golf Excursion to Bermuda offers Exclusive Access to the
30th PGA Grand Slam of Golf featuring the Year’s Major Champions

Today, The PGA of America announced the Deluxe VIP PGA Grand Slam Experience package, a six-night excursion for golf travelers to the beautiful island of Bermuda to play multiple rounds of golf, while getting exclusive access to a season-ending showcase event that boasts the most difficult requirement in the game – a Major Championship victory.

The 30th PGA Grand Slam of Golf, which returns to the Port Royal Golf Course in Southampton, Bermuda, Oct. 22-24, has featured past champions such as Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson and Ernie Els. This year’s foursome is headlined by Masters Champion Bubba Watson, who will be joined by the winners of the U.S. Open Championship, June 14-17, at The Olympic Club in San Francisco, Calif.; the Open Championship, July 19-22, at Royal Lytham & St Annes in Lancashire, England; and the 94th PGA Championship, Aug. 9-12, at The Ocean Course in Kiawah Island, S.C.

The PGA of America
Since its founding in 1916, The PGA of America has maintained a twofold mission: to establish and elevate the standards of the profession and to grow interest and participation in the game of golf. By establishing and elevating the standards of the golf profession through world-class education, career services, marketing and research programs, The PGA enables its professionals to maximize their performance in their respective career paths and showcases them as experts in the game and in the multi-billion dollar golf industry. By creating and delivering world-class championships and innovative programs, The PGA of America elevates the public’s interest in the game, the desire to play more golf, and ensures accessibility to the game for everyone, everywhere. As The PGA nears its centennial, the PGA brand represents the very best in golf.

Pound Ridge Golf Club, Stamford Marriott Hotel & Spa Announce Stay-and-Play Package

February 28, 2012 by The Original Golf Blogger

(POUND RIDGE, N.Y.) – Pound Ridge Golf Club – the public Pete Dye-design in Westchester County – today announces a new stay-and-play package with the Stamford Marriott Hotel & Spa, starting at $214 (Fri. – Sun.) and $300 (Mon. – Thurs.).

Located 15 minutes from Pound Ridge, the Stamford Marriott embodies an exceptional mix of New York energy and New England charm, while providing a memorable hotel experience for business, leisure, meeting and celebration needs.

“The Stamford Marriott is a perfect match for Pound Ridge, providing convenient access to the course, elegant accommodations, fine dining and a spa where golfers can relax post-round,” says owner Ken Wang.

Stay-and-play guests can take advantage of tee time booking via concierge or hotel staff, transportation options (rental cars, limousines) and complimentary rental clubs and golf shoes from Pound Ridge ($100 value).

Hotel guests enjoy the flexibility of Pound Ridge’s weekday nine-hole rates of $80 (before 8:30 a.m.) and $60 (after 4:30 p.m.).

Since opening in 2008, Pound Ridge has earned world-class accolades from Golf Digest, GOLF Magazine, Golfweek, AskMen.com, Rolex and LINKS Magazine. It quickly emerged as a “destination golf course,” sought out by serious golfers collecting the world’s best golf experiences.

Advance golf reservations are needed 48 hours prior to weekend tee times (Fri. – Sun.). Forecaddies are available upon request by calling the pro shop at least 24 hours before a booked tee time.

For Stamford Marriott Hotel reservations, please call Peter Griffith at 203.977.1217.

For tee times or more info on Pound Ridge, visit http://www.PoundRidgeGolf.com or call 914.764.5771.

About Pound Ridge Golf Club

Opened in 2008, Pound Ridge Golf Club is the only course in New York designed by the legendary Pete Dye. Located in Westchester County, it is less than an hour north of New York City and less than 15 minutes from Stamford and Greenwich, Connecticut. Pound Ridge Golf Club is the premier high-end, public course in the metropolitan New York area.

Crafted by Dye, his son Perry and long-time Dye construction manager/lead shaper Michael Langkau, Pound Ridge Golf Club is a full bentgrass facility, hewn from 172 acres of magnificent cliffs, streams and wooded hills. Dramatic rock formations and boulders were left on-site, creating one of the most visually stunning settings for golf in the U.S. More than 14,000-linear-feet of rock wall surrounds trees, wetlands and water hazards. These frame contoured fairways which wind through hardwood forests and fescue mounds leading to open meadows with picturesque green complexes.

Pound Ridge Golf Club plays to a par-72 and houses five sets of tees and measures 7,165 yards. It boasts a practice range, short game area and putting green. The property features some of the highest points in Westchester County, with a number of tee boxes offering expansive vistas of the surrounding countryside. Notable holes include the par-5, 13th – home to “Pete’s Rock,” a giant boulder that rests in the middle of the fairway – and the par-3 15th – dubbed “Headstone” – which is flanked on the right by a large rock outcropping that protrudes into the elongated, 9,000-square-foot green.

Recent accolades for Pound Ridge Golf Club Include:

“No. 1 New York City Area Golf Course, 2010” – AskMen.com
“America’s Best New Courses, 2009” – Golf Digest
“New Golf Development of the Year, 2009” – ABTA Golf
“Top Ten You Can Play, No. 2, 2008” – GOLF Magazine
“Best New Courses, 2008” – LINKS Magazine
“America’s Best New Courses, 2008” – Golfweek

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JUMEIRAH GROUP TO PROVIDE WORLD-CLASS HOSPITALITY AND CATERING FOR THE OMEGA DUBAI DESERT CLASSIC

February 2, 2012 by The Original Golf Blogger

JUMEIRAH GROUP TO PROVIDE WORLD-CLASS HOSPITALITY AND CATERING FOR THE OMEGA DUBAI DESERT CLASSIC

DUBAI, Feb 2 – Jumeirah, the Dubai-based luxury hospitality company and member of Dubai Holding, is working with ‘golf in DUBAi’ as the official caterer and hospitality partner for the Omega Dubai Desert Classic to be held at the Emirates Golf Club from February 9 to 12.
Jumeirah Hospitality and Madinat Jumeirah will provide world-class catering and hospitality for the event.

World number two Rory McIlroy, who is also the global brand ambassador of Jumeirah Group, will be one of the major attractions at the 2012 Omega Dubai Desert Classic

With the 22-year-old golfing sensation Rory McIlroy, who incidentally won his first European Tour title in Dubai in 2009, as their global brand ambassador, Jumeirah Group believes that the development of golf is an essential ingredient in the growth of Dubai as a destination for international investment and tourism.

Mohamed Juma Buamaim, vice-chairman and CEO of ‘golf in DUBAi’, commented: “The Omega Dubai Desert Classic provides a worldwide exposure to the city of Dubai, in general, and the sponsors in particular, creating interest for people to visit Dubai. Thanks to Jumeirah, the players always have a wonderful opportunity to savour the incomparable hospitality standards of the region,” he added.

‘golf in DUBAi’ is backed by Omega as the title sponsor and Dubal (Dubai Aluminium) as the sponsor. The co-sponsors are: CNN, Gulf News, Emirates NBD, Jumeirah Group, Mercedes-Benz and wasl while Dubai Duty Free, Carpetland and Motivate are the Patrons (in golf in DUBAi’s) drive to showcase the emirate’s vibrant golfing scene to a worldwide audience.

FALDO GOLF INSTITUTE ANNOUNCES INSTALLATION OF TRACKMAN PRO AT ORLANDO, FLORIDA LOCATION

November 17, 2011 by The Original Golf Blogger

FALDO GOLF INSTITUTE ANNOUNCES INSTALLATION OF TRACKMAN PRO AT ORLANDO, FLORIDA LOCATION

ORLANDO, Fla. – November 14, 2011…The acclaimed Faldo Golf Institute (FGI) by Marriott, one of the nation’s leading golf schools created by legendary Six-Time Major Champion Sir Nick Faldo, today announced that TrackMan Pro has been installed at the Orlando, Fla., facility, located at Marriott’s Grande Vista resort.
Using Doppler radar – the same technology employed by the military for tracking missiles – TrackMan analyzes the golf swing and entire flight of the ball from impact to landing, displaying the ball’s 3D trajectory in real time, while delivering 22 swing and ball flight parameters/data points on every shot.

TrackMan Pro, which features TrackMan Performance Studio software, will be incorporated into FGI’s golf programming, as the team of Faldo certified instructors will utilize the system for video and numerical swing analysis. All Faldo certified instructors will be fully trained on TrackMan capabilities, including instruction, fitting, and skill-assessment best practices, to ensure the new technology is properly integrated into the curriculum, as TrackMan’s two software packages are considered the industry standard for precision, stability and ease of use.

“We are thrilled to install the TrackMan Pro system at the Orlando facility, further enhancing what is already an incredible golf instructional experience,” said Bill Nault, Vice President, Marriott Golf. “Our team of certified instructors and students of all skill levels will benefit from the most sophisticated swing analysis technology in the marketplace.”

TrackMan Pro is the choice of the PGA Tour, USGA and R&A for swing and ball flight analysis. A staple on professional tours, with leading club fitters, manufacturers, retailers, universities, academies, instructors, players and broadcast TV, TrackMan Pro is considered the industry standard for accuracy, flexibility, reliability and ease of use.

Recognized by Golf Digest as one of America’s 100 Best Clubfitters, the renowned Clubfitter’s WorkshopTM is offered so each student is properly fit with equipment that will help them reach their full potential. Randy Doucette, hand-picked by Sir Nick Faldo himself, has served as the Master Clubfitter at the Orlando, Fla., location since its inception, and has worked closely with many Tour players and celebrities to ensure they are equipped with a properly fit set of clubs when teeing it up. The addition of TrackMan Pro adds a new dynamic to the club fitting experience.

“Trackman is the tool the pros use and we are proud to provide it exclusively to our students at the Faldo Golf Institute,” said Sir Nick. “It takes the guess work out of analyzing adjustments for quick positive results.”

Faldo Golf Institute by Marriott combines the teaching philosophy of the legendary Sir Nick Faldo with the world class service and hospitality of Marriott International to provide a full-service golf school experience perfectly suited for golfers of all ages and abilities. From low-handicap elite golfers seeking a competitive advantage, to newcomers to the game seeking an introductory program that is matched to their needs, the Faldo Golf Institute offers distinct learning programs for everyone.

About Faldo Golf Institute by Marriott
With locations in Orlando, Fla. and Palm Desert, Calif., Faldo Golf Institute by Marriott combines the teaching philosophy of the legendary Six-Time Major Champion Sir Nick Faldo, with the world class service and hospitality of Marriott International, providing expert instructional programming at two desirable Marriott Vacation Club destinations. From low-handicap elite golfers seeking a competitive advantage, to newcomers to the game seeking an introductory program that is matched to their needs, Faldo Golf Institute offers distinct programs for everyone. For more information on all programs and packages offered by Faldo Golf Institute by Marriott, golfers should call 888-463-2536, or visit GoFaldo.com.

About Marriott Golf
Marriott Golf manages 60 golf courses at 44 locations in 12 countries, offering more than 1,000 holes of championship golf. Marriott has been managing golf operations since 1970 and is one of the world’s premier golf operators. Marriott provides golf management and consulting services to a variety of operational environments including resort, private club, daily fee, golf school and franchises. For more information, visit http://www.marriottgolf.com.

Click here for Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE:MAR) company information.

About TrackMan
TrackMan™ is an easy to use indoor/outdoor radar-based solution for analyzing the impact conditions and resulting ball flight in golf. TrackMan™ provides the industry’s most accurate real-time data and graphics on ball launch, flight, and landing. TrackMan A/S, headquartered in Vedbæk, Denmark, is the developer and owner of TrackMan™ technology. TrackMan™ technology includes a comprehensive patent portfolio of granted patents and pending patents applications.

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LAGUNA LĂNG CÔ REPORTS FIRST SALES, DETAILS 2012 ANGSANA HOTEL, GOLF COURSE OPENINGS

November 17, 2011 by The Original Golf Blogger

LAGUNA LĂNG CÔ REPORTS FIRST SALES,

DETAILS 2012 ANGSANA HOTEL, GOLF COURSE OPENINGS

LĂNG CÔ, Vietnam, 16 November 2011 — The developers of Laguna Lăng Cô have followed on the Angsana Properties Lăng Cô Sales Launch in late September with notice of the first property purchases, and a timeline for resort and golf course openings in 2012.

Developed and managed by the Banyan Tree Group, Laguna Lăng Cô will, upon completion, be the first fully and legitimately integrated destination resort in Vietnam. It will also be the largest, with more than 2,000 hotel keys under the management of eight international branded hotel and resort operators, award-winning spas, an 18-hole championship golf course designed by Sir Nick Faldo, resort residences, convention and recreational facilities.

Banyan Tree Group marked an important milestone in the success of this project when, on 23 September, the first investor purchased a Pool Deluxe apartment at Angsana Properties Lăng Cô. Mr. Michael Ayling, Managing Director of Laguna Resorts & Hotels PLC, indicated this first sale and others are consistent with Banyan Tree Group’s expectation that 70 percent of Phase I buyers would be Vietnamese nationals.

“The level of customer interest prior to and throughout the late-September launch was very high indeed, so it was gratifying to confirm this first sale and reserve several more,” said Ayling, who spoke on site in Lăng Cô, along with the golf course designer Nick Faldo, to a gathering of around 40 domestic and international media.

“We fully expect the participation of international buyers at Laguna Lăng Cô, especially in later phases,” Ayling continued. “However, we’re convinced this first phase will appeal especially to the Vietnamese, who know a sound investment when they see one and already recognize Lăng Cô to be an especially beautiful and convenient perch on the Central Coast.”

Phase I of Laguna Lăng Cô is comprised of three key components:

• Angsana Properties Lăng Cô is the initial Phase I product to be launched. It is a condominium-style resort with a total of 197 units, to be open in mid 2012.

• The Nick Faldo 18-hole Championship golf course will come second. It too, is slated for a grand opening in the second quarter of next year.

• Banyan Tree Lăng Cô, a sophisticated portfolio of 129 high-quality villas designed in harmony with the surrounding landscape, will launch sales in early 2012.

It’s worth noting, Ayling explained, that sales at Angsana Properties Lăng Cô were initiated only when construction of the apartments were all but complete; only the furnishing aspect remains. Unlike many resort ventures, in Vietnam and elsewhere, construction progress at Angsana Lăng Cô is funded through an internal development fund in excess of US$200 million, meaning the realization of the property component, the resort and golf course are not dependent on property sales.

According to Ayling, this first apartment owner at Angsana Properties Lăng Cô, and all those to follow, are all entitled to membership in the Angsana Properties Owners Club, wherein members can book complimentary stays at other Banyan Tree and Angsana resorts around the world.

More relevant to their investment, owners are guaranteed a 6% fixed return for 6-years, and 60 days of complementary use every year. When owners are offsite, Ayling explained, purchased properties are included in the hotel inventory, where Angsana management looks after the investment.

“This is the formula that has proved so successful at our flagship development, Laguna Phuket,” Ayling said. “We at Banyan Tree didn’t invent the dynamic, but I daresay that no one in Asia has deployed it more effectively on behalf of real estate investors. The Banyan Tree brand is well-known for its prestige all over the world— it signals luxury and signature Asian heritage to resort guests, whose attraction to the resort in turn complements and enhances the investment in villa ownership.”

The long-standing nature of Banyan Tree’s involvement is another key differentiator, Ayling continued. “Many hotel and resort operators lend their names to resort property ventures, where units are included as part of hotel inventory,” he said. “But the length of a typical hotel or resort operations contract is only 8-10 years. What happens when those recognizable brand names disassociate from the resort? Where does the new hotel brand leave the real estate investor? Laguna Phuket, for example, was founded in 1987, and the Banyan Tree brand has never left its management to anyone else. That is the long-term brand commitment we offer here at Laguna Lăng Cô.”

Returning to Lăng Cô for the second time in 12 months, Faldo was able to inspect the rough shaping work now complete on 14 of the 18 holes. “This golf course is shaping up nicely and already has some wonderful movement,” said the 6-time major champion, following his September site visit. “The diverse character of the terrain allowed us to incorporate some very interesting and unusual features.

“In addition to several views of the ocean, golfers will experience the course’s amphitheatre-like mountain backdrop and the rich variety of woodland, scrub and rocky outcrops that feature throughout the round,” Faldo added.

More information on Angsana Properties Lăng Cô may be found online at http://www.angsanaproperties.com. Sales enquiries may be directed to Hanoi hotline at +84 90 665 9988, and Ho Chi Minh Hotline at +84 90 685 9988.

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About Banyan Tree Holdings Limited

Banyan Tree Holdings Limited (“Banyan Tree” or the “Group”) is a leading manager and developer of premium resorts, hotels and spas in the Asia Pacific, with close to 30 resorts and hotels, 65 spas, over 80 galleries and 3 golf courses. The Group manages and/or has ownership interests in niche resorts and hotels. The resorts each typically has between 50 and 100 rooms and commands room rates at the high end of each property’s particular market.

The Group’s primary business is the management, development and ownership of resorts and hotels. This is centred around two award-winning brands: Banyan Tree and Angsana. Banyan Tree also operates the leading integrated resort in Thailand – Laguna Phuket, through the Group’s subsidiary, Laguna Resorts & Hotels Public Company Limited.

Angsana Properties

Angsana Properties is a property brand that caters to the modern traveller seeking style and authenticity. Comprising contemporary and chic retreats, Angsana Properties are designed to create and deliver vibrant enlivening experiences for guests at work and at play. Each Angsana hotel, resort, spa and retail gallery exudes the spirit and experiences of its environment, while offering a strong sense of individuality infused with our Asian heritage. Facilities and services at all Angsana Properties are focused on enabling guests to draw the most of every moment.

Managed by the Banyan Tree Group, Angsana Properties Lăng Cô is the first launch of the Angsana Properties brand worldwide, to be followed by Angsana Properties Phuket and Angsana Properties Bintan at the end of 2011.

Media Contact

Tran Thu Hien (Ms)

PR Executive

M: +84 98 222 7387

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ALGARVE REGION IN PORTUGAL TO HOST INTERNATIONAL GOLF TRAVEL MARKET 2012

November 17, 2011 by The Original Golf Blogger

THE ALGARVE REGION IN PORTUGAL TO HOST
INTERNATIONAL GOLF TRAVEL MARKET 2012

(Belek, Turkey – November 17, 2011) International Golf Travel Market (IGTM), organized by Reed Travel Exhibitions, today announced The Algarve region of Portugal, is to host the 15th edition of the world’s premier global event for golf tourism suppliers, buyers and media, from November 12-15, 2012.

António Pina, President of the Algarve Tourism Board, said: “It is with considerable pride that Portugal, and more specifically The Algarve, will once again host the prestigious International Golf Travel Market.

“With exceptional facilities and an enviable year-round climate, IGTM 2012 provides The Algarve with a significant opportunity to promote the region as a first-class golf destination,” he added.

The Algarve has been a magnet for golfers for over 30 years and boasts spectacular scenery, beautiful coastline, and is home to a selection of the world’s finest golf resorts and luxury hotels, all supported by a wealth of leisure facilities, high-class restaurants and vibrant bars.

Purpose-built for tourism in the 1970s, The Algarve has developed into a cosmopolitan destination, every year attracting nearly six million visitors who come to play the region’s 35 golf courses designed by some of the game’s greats, including Sir Henry Cotton, Arnold Palmer, Sir Nick Faldo and the late Seve Ballesteros.

António Pina added: “We look forward to welcoming global golf tourism suppliers, buyers, official dignitaries and media to The Algarve. Beautiful cuisine, fine wines and a warm welcome from the locals will ensure a memorable stay for everyone.

“IGTM 2012 will provide an unrivalled opportunity for The Algarve to make a name for itself as a prime venue for major international events.”

PeterGrimster, Exhibition Manager of IGTM, said: “Portugal has been at the heart of the golf travel business for three decades and it has established itself as one of Europe’s finest destinations.

“The quality of golf courses and resorts in Vilamoura is outstanding, and combined with an excellent conference facility at The Tivoli Marina Hotel, we have all the necessary logistics to stage a truly fantastic event. We look forward to welcoming everyone to IGTM 2012.”

IGTM will take place November 12-15, 2012, the week after the World Travel Market, London, also a Reed Travel Exhibitions event.

For more information about IGTM, please visit: http://www.igtm.co.uk or visit http://www.iagto.com

Picture caption: Christopher Stilwell, Vice President, Algarve Tourism Association with Peter Grimster, Exhibition Manager, IGTM

ENDS

DISCLAIMER
Landmark Media International’s clients are solely responsible for the accuracy of all information submitted by them for distribution. Landmark Media shall not be responsible or liable for any of the information transmitted on or through Landmark Media on behalf of clients, and shall not be responsible or liable for any investment decisions made based on such information.

Rising airline fees for golf equipment transportation now a significant factor for UK golfers travel

November 13, 2011 by The Original Golf Blogger

Rising airline fees for golf equipment transportation now a significant factor for UK golfers travelling abroad, survey finds

Research for International Golf Travel Market reveals 52% of UK golfers, Europe’s largest source of golf travellers, say the increased cost of flying with their clubs now has a ‘big impact’ on their decision to go abroad or take a golf break at home

(November 10, 2011) Golfers in the UK, Europe’s largest golf market, say rising airline fees to transport sports equipment is now a significant factor in their decision to travel abroad or stay at home for a golf break, a new survey has found.

The research, commissioned by Reed Travel Exhibitions, organisers of International Golf Travel Market in Belek, Antalya, Turkey, November 14-17, 2011, found that 80% said the additional luggage fees impacted on their golf break planning, with 52% saying it had a ‘big impact’ on whether they flew abroad or booked a break in the UK.

More than 2,400 golfers – all readers of Golf Monthly magazine – were surveyed for the report, compiled by Sports Marketing Surveys Inc.

The report, which will be published at IGTM, details the key influences on UK golfers and their choice of golf holiday destinations.

Commenting on the findings, IGTM Exhibition Manager, Peter Grimster, said: “This is a startling finding and is indicative of price-sensitivity in the golf travel market.

“While a destination’s variety of golf courses, the price of the break and whether golf is part of the package remain the key influencing factors, clearly UK golfers are weighing up the additional cost of transporting their clubs in deciding whether or not to fly abroad for their golf break.”

According to SPORTS MARKETING SURVEYS INC., there are 3.9 million golfers in the UK (of whom 1.6 million are regular golfers who play at least 12 times a year), the largest golf market in Europe. A quarter of these regular golfers take an annual break where the primary reason is to play golf – whether domestic or overseas – so factors such as additional airline fees for equipment will have a significant impact on international golf tourism.

Peter Grimster continued: “Overall, the research provides interesting insights into how UK golfers go about selecting their golf breaks, where they look for recommendations and advice, as well as the important factors that determine their holiday choices. We have also looked at the increasing role of social media as a channel of communication and influence.”

Copies of the research will be available from the press office on November 15, 2011.

For more information about IGTM, please visit: http://www.igtm.co.uk or visit http://www.iagto.com

ENDS

Picture caption: Peter Grimster, IGTM Exhibition Manager

# # #

In 2010, RE held more than 460 events in 36 countries bringing together more than seven million people from around the world generating billions of dollars in business.

About Reed Travel Exhibitions
Reed Travel Exhibitions (RTE), a business unit of RE, is the world’s leading provider of exhibitions in the travel and tourism industry. Its wide-ranging portfolio of events around the globe covers leisure travel, luxury travel and the meetings and incentives industry.

The 12 events are: International Golf Travel Market (IGTM), World Travel Market (WTM), Arabian Travel Market (ATM), International French Travel Market (IFTM), La Cumbre, International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM), International Luxury Travel Market Asia (ILTMA), Asia Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo (AIME) (owned by Melbourne Convention Visitors Bureau), Exhibition for the Incentive Business Travel Market (EIBTM), Gulf Incentive Business Travel Market (GIBTM), Americas Incentive Business Travel Market (AIBTM) and China Incentive Business Travel Market (CIBTM).

Reed Exhibitions is owned by Reed Elsevier, the world’s leading provider of professional information and online workflow solutions.

About Golf Monthly
Established in 1911 by double Open Champion, Harold Hilton, Golf Monthly is the world’s oldest monthly golf magazine
Written by golfers, for golfers, each issue comes packed with expert instruction advice from Golf Monthly’s top 25 Coaches and some of the biggest names on Tour, equipment reviews and advice on where to play and stay, plus star player interviews and coverage of issues affecting every level of the game. Quite simply it is the preferred choice of those who are serious about their golf.

About Sports Marketing Surveys
SPORTS MARKETING SURVEYS INC. is an experienced and focused sports research business servicing the sports facility, equipment & sports’ goods industry.
It provides a full research service primarily for sports equipment manufacturers, for federations, retailers and sports venue operators where the general public or members play their sport. Service, solutions and insights will be provided to all those interested in participation rates, equipment and facility usage, sports brand images, retailer & end-consumer satisfaction, operating costs and associated areas. For more information SPORTS GOODS, SPORTS VENUES, SPORTS PARTICIPATION.

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Landmark Media International’s clients are solely responsible for the accuracy of all information submitted by them for distribution. Landmark Media shall not be responsible or liable for any of the information transmitted on or through Landmark Media on behalf of clients, and shall not be responsible or liable for any investment decisions made based on such information.

YAS LINKS ABU DHABI SHORTLISTED FOR ‘BEST COURSE’ IN MIDDLE EAST AWARD

October 26, 2011 by The Original Golf Blogger

YAS LINKS ABU DHABI SHORTLISTED FOR ‘BEST COURSE’ IN MIDDLE EAST AWARD

(Yas Island, UAE – October 26, 2011) Yas Links Abu Dhabi (http://www.yaslinks.com), the UAE’s newest and award-winning golf course, is on the cusp of further success after being shortlisted in the prestigious Asian Golf Monthly Awards 2011.

The UAE venue, which recently earned a place in the acclaimed Golf World Top 100 Courses in the World rankings for the first time, has been nominated, along with two other venues, in the Best Course in the Middle East category.

The gala awards ceremony will take place at the Pattaya Exhibition & Convention Hall in Thailand on November 2, 2011.

Chris White, General Manager of Aldar Properties (Golf Division), developer of Yas Links, said: “We are enormously proud to be shortlisted for another award, and one as important as Best Course in the Asian Golf Monthly Awards.”

For Yas Links, already the recipient of a string of high-profile accolades despite having only opened last year, its shortlisting for the annual AGM ‘Oscars’ is “further acknowledgement of Yas Links’ growing status within golf in the Middle East,” according to Chris White.

This rise in prominence is highlighted by the various affiliate relationships the Yas Island-based club – whose celebrated championship links course was designed by leading golf course architect Kyle Phillips – has already forged with leading golf organisations and clubs worldwide for the mutual benefit of all parties.

For example, it teamed up with IMG, the global sports, entertainment and media company, earlier this year to support its Prestige service – a reciprocal programme that features a network of more than 30 premier golf properties and partners across the world. The services entitles Yas Links’ full members, along with those at participating clubs, to enjoy ‘preferred access’ status (including special rates, discounts, benefits and privileges) offered by their counterparts and selected IMG Prestige partners.

These golf properties and partners – in established and emerging golf markets such as Australasia, Asia, the Far East and, of course, the Middle East – include Royal Golf Club (Bahrain), La Manga (Spain), Kingsbarns (Scotland), The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs (New Zealand), The Montgomerie Links (Vietnam), Legend Golf & Safari Resort (South Africa) and Lakeview (China).

“Our affiliate reciprocal partnerships forged through the IMG Prestige Service has helped elevate our standing among the world’s finest venues, including those in growing golfing destinations such as the Far East, and serves to help achieve our vision of seeing Yas Links sit shoulder to shoulder with the very best,” said Chris White.

Spencer Robinson, President (Editorial) of Asian Golf Monthly, said Yas Links fully deserved its place on the shortlist for Best Course: “That a course as young as Yas Links has gained so many admirers from all over the world in such a short span of time is a clear testament to the quality of the facility and the vision of the developers.”

He added: “That so many courses in the Middle East received nominations in the 2011 Awards is an indication as to how popular the region is becoming as a golfing destination.”

For more information about Yas Links Golf Club, Abu Dhabi please visit http://www.yaslinks.com

ENDS

Picture caption: Yas Links Abu Dhabi has been shortlisted as Best Course in the Middle East in the Asian Golf Monthly Awards 2011. This is the 13th hole.

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Press release issued on behalf of Yas Links by Landmark Media, http://www.landmark-media.com

For more information, please contact Manuela Whittaker, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
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, tel +44 1780 752790.

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Notes for Editors:

Yas Links’ widespread critical acclaim and prestigious accolades include:

‘Best course in the Middle East’ by Golf World contributor and Golf Course Architecture magazine editor, Adam Lawrence

Placed 5th in a Golf Magazine USA ‘Top 10 New International Golf Courses of 2010’ ranking

Ranked 2nd by one of the Middle East’s most prominent newspapers, The National, in its Top 10 ‘professional-level’ Golf Courses of the World – just behind the Old Course, St Andrews, Scotland, the historical home of golf

Yas Links has been referred to as a ‘game-changer’ for golf in the Middle East, as it takes the entire region to a new level with an exceptional experience and superior quality

Ranked at No. 1 in the latest Top 10 Courses of the UAE by the region’s The National newspaper

First ever club, less than a year old, to have been decorated with the coveted Best Golf Course and Best Club accolades by Middle East Golfer awards 2011

Crowned Best Sporting Club in Abu Dhabi at the 2011 Best in Abu Dhabi Awards hosted by Ahlan!, the region’s biggest-selling celebrity weekly

Declared World Top 100 Courses in to the influential Golf World rankings for 2011

About Yas Links
Aldar Properties, the developer of Yas Island presents the first Links Golf Course in the Middle East region designed by Kyle Phillips, one of the world’s leading golf course designers.
This championship course is located on the west shores of Yas Island and includes a 5750 m2 (57000 ft2) luxurious clubhouse and world-class, floodlit practice ranges and academy of golf.
The Links course, which opened in March 2010, is a semi private golf club offering both golf and social membership as well welcoming guest play.

International Golf Travel Market 2011 set to welcome golf tourism’s key players in Belek Antalya

September 28, 2011 by The Original Golf Blogger

International Golf Travel Market 2011 set to welcome golf tourism’s key players in Belek Antalya

(September 28, 2011) The International Golf Travel Market (IGTM), the world’s premier global event for golf tourism suppliers, buyers and media, has announced a significant increase in the number of new tourism destinations participating in the annual show.

More than 400 leading resorts, golf courses and DMCs (destination management companies) have already registered from over 50 countries for IGTM 2011, hosted by Betuyab (Belek Tourism Investors Association). The event will take place in the award-winning golf destination of Belek, close to the city of Antalya in Turkey, from November 14-17, with a record attendance anticipated.

Among those exhibiting for the first time are the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), the newly formed South Africa Golf Tourism Association, the Egypt Tourism Authority and Cyprus Tourism Organisation.

Commenting on its participation in this year’s event, ADTA’s Dayne Lim said: “We are eager to convince future partners of our compelling and diverse offering. The wide range of our facilities and playing experiences epitomise Abu Dhabi’s golf tourism offering – a variety that comprises parkland, ocean, links, city, sand and country courses.

“The emirate’s emergence as an easily accessible, high-end golf tourism destination is headlined by its three championship-ready courses that lie within a 25-minute radius of the capital city of the United Arab Emirates.”

“IGTM goes from strength to strength and we are anticipating this year’s event will be one of the most important events since the show was established in 1997,” said Group Exhibition Director Mark Walsh of Reed Travel Exhibitions.

“With Turkey winning the IAGTO Best Golf Destination 2008, and Belek-Antalya having enjoyed spectacular success as a fast-growing golf destination, there will be great interest in the host country, which will be represented by more than 50 golf resorts, clubs and hotels.

Mark Walsh continued: “The location of IGTM 2011 has also opened up a gateway to Asia, with the event attracting, for the first time ever, 30 golf clubs and resort from seven Asian destinations, resorts and golf clubs. This year the Tourism Authority of Thailand and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism for Indonesia will join previous exhibitors from Asia, including the Japan Tourism Agency and Mission Hills China, who all return after a successful event last year.”

Peter Walton, President of IAGTO (International Association of Golf Tour Operators), said: “There is no doubt that the wider travel market continues to face challenging conditions. However, for proactive suppliers and buyers in the golf travel market, where there is a more positive outlook, there are opportunities to stay ahead of the curve – and IGTM is the place to be to achieve this.”

The four-day event, which has become the established meeting place for golf tourism professionals from across the globe, will see more than1400 golf travel industry professionals, representing national and regional golf tourism organisations, leading resorts and golf courses, descend on Belek and Antalya.

For more information about IGTM, please visit: http://www.igtm.co.uk or visit http://www.iagto.com

END

About IGTM
IGTM is owned by the world’s leading events organiser Reed Exhibitions (RE), which organises a portfolio of other travel industry events including World Travel Market, Arabian Travel Market and International Luxury Travel Market.
In 2010, RE held more than 460 events in 36 countries bringing together more than seven million people from around the world generating billions of dollars in business.

Reed Travel Exhibitions
Reed Travel Exhibitions (RTE), a business unit of RE, is the world’s leading provider of exhibitions in the travel and tourism industry. Its wide-ranging portfolio of events around the globe covers leisure travel, luxury travel and the meetings and incentives industry.

Reed Exhibitions is owned by Reed Elsevier, the world’s leading provider of professional information and online workflow solutions.

Press release issued by Landmark Media International Ltd – for press enquiries please contact:
Manuela Whittaker
Tel: +44 (0) 1780 752790 / +44 (0) 7736683300
Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
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Website: http://www.landmark-media.com

Manuela Whittaker
BUSINESS MANAGER

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