Charleston has been recognized as North America’s top golf destination by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators.
The South Carolina destination took top spot at last week’s at the International Golf Travel Market (IGTM) in Lake Como, Italy.
Charleston features 19 championship courses including the celebrated Kiawah Island Ocean Course, which has hosted a number of top-tier tournaments including the 1991 Ryder Cup.
"To be named North America’s Golf Destination of the Year by the IAGTO is a huge honor and strengthens our ability to showcase worldwide all that Charleston has to offer golfers year-round" said Ed Riggs, chairman of Charleston & Resort Islands Golf.
"We are grateful to carry forward the global recognition the Charleston area received this year as host of IAGTO’s annual North America Golf Tourism Convention."
Charleston can also lay claim as the site of the first golf club in the Americas over 200 years ago.
IAGTO comprises over 2,000 accredited golf tour operators, golf resorts, hotels, golf courses and tourism partners from 96 counties, which includes over 500 specialist golf tour operators in 61 countries.
The association estimates that 85% of all golf vacation and holiday packages sold worldwide are through IAGTO member companies, with a turnover of over $1 billion a year.
