IN FOCUS CANARIES
CANARIES GOLF IS WELL ABOVE PAR
Golf is a major draw card for the Canaries, with several excellent options on both Tenerife and Gran Canaria. The diversity and challenge offered by Gran Canaria’s seven golf courses is on a par with anywhere in
the world – and the island has a long golfi ng pedigree.
Golf in Gran Canaria dates back
to 1891, with the Real Club de Golf laying claim to be the oldest course in Spain. Located alongside the crater of an extinct volcano, it provides spectacular views of deep ravines and the distant coastline.
Most of the other courses are
located in the south of the island, either close to the famous towering dunes (Maspolomas), rocky coastline (Lopesan Meloneras), canyons (Anfi Tauro – pictured below) or mountains (Salobre). At Anfi Tauaro, where around
50 million euros was spent on blasting gaps in the canyons and arid volcanoes to shape an Arizona- style course, a major new fi ve-star category hotel is planned. In the ‘off season’, when the
mercury rises, golf courses in Gran Canaria offer huge discounts on their green fees. Agents should ask UK tour operators about the special summer golf packages developed by
Gran Canaria Golf. Golf is also a niche interest being
promoted by the Tenerife Tourism Corporation, with the fl agship Abama Golf and Spa Resort, an exclusive fi ve-star stylish resort operated and managed by Ritz-Carlton, now one of Europe’s top golfi ng destinations. Set in Guía de Isora, a peaceful
destination on the west coast of the island, it is surrounded by lush and vibrant vegetation, volcanic landscapes and panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. And there’s no longer any reason
why golfers heading to the Canaries should have to worry about the hassle and growing expense of taking their own clubs. ClubstoHire, started by tour player
Paul McGinley, will meet clients at the airport in Tenerife and Gran Canaria with a set of rental clubs from leading manufacturers like TaylorMade, Callaway and Wilson. Prices start from 35 euros a week,
a signifi cant saving on the £100 per bag (return fl ight) charged by, for example, Ryanair and100 euros a week levied by Air Berlin. The company, which offers commission to travel agents, also drops off and picks up at hotels on both islands.
www.clubstohire.com www.grancanariagolf.com
co.uk) is to operate one additional weekly fl ight from Birmingham Airport for its summer schedule. Starting on July 20 it will run on a Saturday.
tourismtalk Pia Louw, Travel Trade
Industry Director, Tenerife Tourism Corporation “As more UK visitors
seek sunny climes within easy reach, Tenerife’s credentials as an affordable tourist destination go from strength to strength. “Following an amazing year from
the UK last year, when we saw visitor arrivals surge by 11%, we hope to stay even as to the growth of last year, and we are optimistic for 2012. We plan to continue educating the trade through roadshows, fam trips, online training (
www.tenerifeXpert.com), events and sales calls. “We will also support our industry
partners with joint campaigns and, to further strengthen our relationship with the UK trade, we have recently appointed Katherine Warren, Trade Account Manager, to act as a main point of contact.”
www.webtenerife.com
asktheoperators Gary Boyer, Head of
Purchasing, Classic Collection Holidays “The Canary Islands offer
all clients a more favourable climate than most short haul destinations, with year-round spring/early summer temperatures and a very good chance of sunshine. “More discerning clients will
appreciate the recent improvements to the islands’ infrastructure, which have resulted in hotels which are truly world- class in terms of quality, cuisine and service. These include Gran Hotel Bahia del Duque resort, Abama, Royal Garden Villas in Tenerife, Seaside Grand Hotel Residencia and Seaside Palm Beach in Gran Canaria.“
John Dixon, Chairman and Managing Direcor, Prestige Holidays “After a slow start to
the year business to the Canaries has started to pick up. The climate, facilities and very high standard of hotels combined with a wide choice of departure points all over the UK is a proven formula. “Little-known La Palma is selling
particularly well this year and is up by 31% for us. The attractions of this island are that it is utterly unspoilt, it’s a great walking destination and it offers a wide variety of boutique properties and well-timed fl ights from both Gatwick and Manchester.”
Below, left: golf on Gran Canaria and right, Garachico on Tenerife
22 July/August 2012 •
www.sellinglonghaul.com
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