The International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO) Awards are the official annual awards for the golf tourism industry. The 2008 gala Awards evening took place last week, during the International Golf Travel Market (IGTM) at the Estepona Congress and Exhibition Centre in Spain. IAGTO is the global trade organisation for the golf tourism industry, comprising more than 1130 companies in 74 countries, including over 330 specialist golf tour operators in 46 countries.

The IAGTO Awards serve to encourage private and public sector organisations to work closely together in the development and promotion of new and existing golf destinations, making them accessible to and enjoyable by the widest range of golfers. This year the winner of the ‘golf destination of the year award' was Andalucia. 

Manuel Macias, Marketing Director, Turismo Andaluz said: "This award is very important, and it is important that it coincides with a new awareness and recognition of golf in Andalucia by the government. We now have laws regarding the construction of golf courses, underlining quality and environmental care. Andalucia is also investing a huge amount of money in infrastructure. We have a new terminal opening at Malaga Airport, a new high-speed train from Malaga to Madrid, and new motorways. We are continuing to evolve as a destination. Hosting the International Golf Travel Market is also important for us. We will be hosting IGTM again next year in Malaga. For some years a revolution has been happening in Malaga, so we would like to show it off."