On the eve of the Confederation of Professional Golf’s Fourball Championship being staged for the first time at Lumine Golf and Beach Resort, the surrounding Costa Dorada region of Spain was officially unveiled and acclaimed as ‘a new destination for golf tourism.’
The far-reaching proclamation of this ideal and idyllic location as a ‘must visit’ destination for golfers from far and wide, amateur and professional, was made by the Tourist Board of the Tarragona provincial government as they also announced a promotional collaboration with the Confederation of Professional Golf.
The press conference was staged to emphasise the important role that golf will play in the development of tourism to the region and the significant contribution that the Confederation of Professional Golf will make in the coming years as a promotional and marketing aid with the necessary experience and expertise.
The occasion took place at the Provincial Council Palace Tarragona, and was attended by Josep Poblet, President of the Provincial Council Tarragona, Ian Randell, Chief Executive PGA Europe, Lluís Rullán, President of Mediterranea Beach & Golf Community and Xavier Graset, alderman of Tourism at Vila-Seca.
Each of these dignitaries highlighted the outstanding quality of the golfing facilities in the area that features seven golf courses, three in Lumine (a total of 45 holes), one in Bonmont, one in Aiguesverds, one in Costa Dorada and another one in La Graiera.
Josep Poblet, underlined the quality of this ‘new benchmark’ for Costa Dorada provided by the Confederation of Professional Golf and added that it is ‘closely linked to the recognition and prestige that this sport bring’ for tourism’.
Luis Rullán, stressed that ‘not all efforts are focused on attracting foreign tourists, as the sport is being adopted more and more by local residents. ‘About 50% of the clients at Lumine Golf are residents of the province, a very positive balance for a sport that is growing in Tarragona’, he said.
Ian Randell commented that among the challenges for his association is to collaborate with and promote new golfing destinations, including involvement in joint healthy growth projects. He also stressed that ‘our intention is to create a long term relationship in which the bond is strong and solid’.
The PGA Europe is an organisation of 38 PGAs from countries around Europe and beyond, comprising a total of 21,000 golf professionals.
Lumine will play a crucial role in the continuing of the Confederation of Professional Golf Fourball Championship which was relaunched in Turkey last year after a lengthy absence and is to be played in this exciting new golfing region over 54 holes on February 21/23. A full-house entry of 58 pairs of PGA pros will participate, amounting to 120 professional from 18 different nations.
