The International Association of Golf Travel Operators has named Prince Edward Island as the 2011 undiscovered Golf Destination of the Year.
The announcement headlined the organization’s recent annual awards gala in Valencia, Spain.
“While Prince Edward Island has been known nationally as Canada’s No. 1 golf destination for years, we are thrilled to receive this award that will let the rest of the world in on one of golf’s best-kept secrets,” said Barry MacLeod, chief operating officer for Golf Prince Edward Island.
“We’re a golf destination that offers it all. Close to 80 per cent of first time golfers to the Island return within four years, a statistic that speaks volumes about our golf product.”
The Undiscovered Golf Destination of the Year Award is announced as part of the International Golf Travel Market, the golf travel industry’s annual trade show. It is voted on by 150 members of the International Golf Travel Writers Association.
Tasked with identifying an “undiscovered gem” among the world’s golf destinations, members assess each nomination based on qualities that make it an interesting golf destination, attractiveness of the region and courses, quality and accessibility of the courses, standard of accommodations, friendliness of staff, value for the money and speed of play.
Regardless of who and how PEI was granted this award it should be a proud day for us. As The Guardian failed to mention some significant facts about this award, I will include them in my comment. They go to show that PEI had some stiff competition and that some of it came from entire countries - ie Sweden (who also was a finalist), Denmark, Germany, Japan, etc. Way to go GOLF PEI and if this brings more tourists to the Island the outcome will be more revenue for the province and for residents who operate related business - sounds like a good plan to me. The following is copied from Golf PEI web page and was posted there on Nov 18. "The top six finalists for the 2011 award were Prince Edward Island, Bulgaria, Colombia, Iceland, Mississippi, and Sweden. Other nominations included Abu Dhabi, Alberta, the Azores, Cambodia, Denmark, South West England, Finland, Germany, Guatemala, India, Sardinia Italy, Venetia-Tarvisiano, Italy, Japan, Nepal, Paraguay, Sri Lanka, Trinidad & Tobago, and the US Virgin Islands. Brazil captured the 2010 Undiscovered Award." Too bad the Guardian took 2 weeks to report it and then missed some key pieces of the total story.