Dominican Republic Named Best Golf Destination in Latin America and the Caribbean 2016

The destination claims its third recognition of outstanding golf offerings from the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO)

News provided by

Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism

Oct 14, 2015, 01:09 ET

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, Oct. 14, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- The International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO) has named Dominican Republic "Best Golf Destination of Latin America and the Caribbean 2016," in recognition of the 28 internationally renowned courses that the country calls its own. This is the third time that Dominican Republic has been recognized by IAGTO as an exceptional destination for the sport, with its magnificent golf courses bordering the Caribbean Sea where golfers can enjoy both facilities of the highest caliber and a warm climate that allows for a unique and challenging play experience.

IAGTO presents the Golf Destination of the Year: Latin American & Caribbean 2016 award to the Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism (MITUR) team. [From left to right: Giles Greenwood (IAGTO), Ana Gorrin (Catalonia Hotels & Resorts), Evelyn Paiewonsky (MITUR), Isabel Vasquez (MITUR - Iberian Peninsula), Giselle Diaz (MITUR), Carolina Perez (MITUR - Iberian Peninsula), Hiram Silfa (Puntacana Resort & Club), Monica Diaz (Casa de Campo Hotel & Villas)]

Dominican Republic is honored to be recognized for the third time by the prestigious International Association of Golf Tour Operators as the Caribbean's top golf destination.

"Dominican Republic is delighted to receive this award once again from such a prestigious organization," said Isabel Vasquez, director of the Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism (MITUR) for the Iberian Peninsula. "This award speaks to our unrelenting commitment to provide both the infrastructure and first class services in our hotels and golf courses in order to maintain the loyalty and happiness of those who choose to visit us, allowing us to reinforce our position as the Golf Capital of the Caribbean with 28 internationally-recognized courses – the largest offerings in all of Latin America and the Caribbean."

Golf tourism's contribution to the Dominican economy is estimated at over $200 million annually – a figure that is projected to increase over the next year, according to a study by IAGTO North America. In 2014, this same study revealed the growth of this niche market was 10 percent – an arrival of more than 140,000 golfers who visited the Dominican Republic only to play golf.

Dominican Republic is home to some of the most dramatic and spectacular golf courses in the world designed by legends such as Pete Dye, PB Dye, Jack Nicklaus, Robert Trent Jones, Gary Player, Tom Fazio and Nick Faldo. It boasts 28 courses of the highest standards of design and friendly services of five-star quality. Among these are Punta Espada Golf Club in Cap Cana, La Cana at Puntacana Resort & Club, Teeth of the Dog and Dye Fore at Casa de Campo, each featuring stunning views and unique challenges carefully crafted by the best designers in the golf world.

IAGTO's tour operators generate more than 85 percent of the world's golf vacations. Its 450 members hailing from 59 different countries selected the 2016 winners. Judges nominated the best golf destinations based on the different experiences of their customers and criteria such as customer satisfaction, quality of golf courses and accommodations, price, professional conduct of suppliers, support of the local tourism industry and accessibility to playtime.

For more information on Dominican Republic and to download free brochures on the country's golf offerings, visit www.GoDominicanRepublic.com.

For more details on 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 approximately five million global visitors in 2014. 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.