SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, Nov. 15, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism proudly announces that Dominican Republic, the second largest nation in the Caribbean, was named the "2013 Golf Destination of the Year in the Caribbean and Latin America" by the prestigious International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO). This is the second time Dominican Republic has been chosen by IAGTO as best for its magnificent, sun-kissed golf courses set amid breathtaking coastlines, azure seas, rich mountains and lush green tropical fairways. The honor will be presented to the Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism at the annual IAGTO convention held Nov. 12 - 15 in Vilamoura, Portugal.
"Dominican Republic is thrilled to receive this distinguished award as the best golf destination in the entire Caribbean and Latin American in 2013 from the golf world's most savvy travel planners," said Petra Cruz, Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism Director in Europe. "World-class golf, magnificent unspoiled nature, championship course design and friendly, high-quality services are abundant among our list of 28 superb golf courses. Each course features exciting and breathtaking vistas and unique challenges created by the golf world's best designers."
Dominicans have mastered the art of presenting the world's best managed golf experience with glamorous Southeast Coast courses like Punta Espada Golf Club at Cap Cana, La Cana at Punta Cana Resort & Club, and Teeth of the Dog and Dye Four at Casa de Campo. The lesser-known, but wildly magnificent Dominican Central and Northern regions boast courses like Los Aromas, Playa Dorada and Playa Grande. Whether you are a professional or a beginner, it's easy to play golf anywhere your heart desires in Dominican Republic since most clubs provide lessons and offer a variety of golf vacation packages.
IAGTO's tour operators generate more than 85 percent of golf vacations taken worldwide and its 450-member golf tour operators from 59 different countries selected the winners for 2013. Judges nominated the best performing golf destinations enjoyed by their golf traveling clients and consider the following criteria: customer satisfaction, quality of golf courses and accommodations, value, professional conduct of suppliers, support from the local tourism industry and accessibility to tee times.
Dominican Republic is home to some of the world's most dramatic and spectacular golf courses designed by legends such as Pete Dye, P.B. Dye, Jack Nicklaus, Robert Trent Jones, Gary Player, Tom Fazio and Nick Faldo. The World Travel Awards named Casa de Campo the Leading Golf Resort in 2012, its fifth consecutive honor from the organization. Golfweek magazine named Teeth of the Dog and Dye Fore golf courses at Casa de Campo as the second and third top courses in the Caribbean and Latin America; while Golfweek ranked Punta Espada Golf Club at Cap Cana as the #1 course in the Caribbean and Mexico for four consecutive years.
For more information, please visit the Ministry of Tourism's official website: www.GoDominicanRepublic.com. For further details about IAGTO, visit: www.IAGTO.com.
About Dominican Republic
Dominican Republic's first tourist was Christopher Columbus in 1492. Rich in history, Dominican Republic has developed into a diverse destination offering both Dominican and European flavors to more than one million U.S. visitors each year. Named #1 Golf Destination in Caribbean & Latin America by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators, Dominican Republic boasts 28 designer golf courses, upscale resorts, pristine nature, and sophisticated cities and quaint villages filled with warm Dominican people. Dominican Republic features the best beaches, fascinating history and culture, and is a chosen escape for celebrities, couples and families alike. Visit Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism's official website at: www.GoDominicanRepublic.com.
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Media Contact: Vanessa Welter, bvk>Word for Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism, vwelter@bvk.com, phone: 414-247-3803, cell: 850-980-3760.
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The following files are available for download:
| wkr0006.pdf | IAGTO Award News Release |
| [Image] | Punta Espada Golf Course |