The Catalan region of Costa Daurada, Spain’s ‘GoldenCoast’, will showcase its world-class attractions to the golfing world during the 2013 International Golf Travel Market (IGTM), which will be held at PortAventura Convention Centre from 11-14 November, 2013.
Golf tourism suppliers, buyers and media attending the 16th edition of the industry’s leading golf travel trade show will experience first-hand one of Europe’s vibrant new golfing destinations.
Situated in the north-east of Spain, one hour south of Barcelona and just 15 minutes from Barcelona Reus airport, the Costa Daurada region will exhibit its array of golf courses designed by noted architects, including Robert Trent Jones Jr, and golfing greats, such as Greg Norman, Jose Maria Olazábal and Bernhard Langer, which are already attracting golfers from established markets.
“Golf on the Costa Daurada has been something of a ‘kept secret’ among Spanish golfers who have been coming here for years, but more recently, our offerings have attracted golf enthusiasts from all corners of Europe,” said Calle Carlsson, General Manager of LUMINE Golf & Beach Club, part of the LUMINE Mediterránea Beach & Golf Community.
“Three years ago, less than 2% of total rounds played on the Costa Daurada were by international golfers. Today that ratio has increased to 30% and continues to grow.”
Calle continued: “Costa Daurada is no stranger to tourism. The resort of PortAventura in Salou, approximately an hour’s drive from Barcelona, is the most visited theme park in Spain, attracting over four million visitors to the region per year.
“Our on-the-ground expertise, quality of product and first-class service, as well as our commitment to facilitating the business process, we believe, will encourage operator partners to send their clientele to the region and offer it as a new alternative year-round golfing destination, rich in attractions.”
“This will be the first time that IGTM will have been hosted in the north-eastern region of Spain and we are very much looking forward to seeing all that it has to offer,” commented Peter Grimster, IGTM Exhibition Manager.
“With 240 kilometres of sandy beaches, quiet villages and stunning countryside, as well as its cultural and historic attractions, first-class culinary offerings and, of course, its luxurious golf and leisure resorts, the Costa Daurada has all the ingredients to establish itself among Europe’s leading golf destinations.”
Costa Daurada’s golfing portfolio is spearheaded by the critically acclaimed LUMINE Golf & Beach Club, which will host the second stage of the EuropeanTourQualifyingSchool, just a week before IGTM. Another main player in this pocket of Spain is the Bonmont Terres Noves Golf Club, which features no fewer than 90 strategically placed bunkers and various water hazards that characterise a championship course.
IGTM www.igtm.co.uk
LUMINE Golf & Beach Club www.lumine.com