Out Of 21 Countries, Costa Rica Wins Coveted Award From the Prestigious International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO)

With a total of 12 golf courses, including courses designed by renowned golf architects Ted Robinson and Robert Trent Jones II, Costa Rica 's world-class golf courses, long considered undiscovered jewels known only by golf insiders, have propelled the destination to win the coveted 2014 Golf Destination of the Year Award for Latin America and the Caribbean.

Several notable golf courses in Costa Rica include the par-72 championship La Iguana Golf Course on the central Pacific coast, the par-71 championship course at the Reserva Conchal Golf Club in the Guanacaste province and the Arnold Palmer-designed Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica golf course, the latter of which has received honors as one of the top 100 courses outside the United States by Golf Digest. While enjoying a round on one of these courses or in the Central Valley of the country, one can also take in spectacular views of tropical rainforests, glistening beaches, active volcanoes as well as towering mountain ranges that provide picturesque backdrops.

"It is an honor for us to win this coveted award, as we have been determined to make Costa Rica an ideal golf destination for golf travelers, while we continue to uphold our position as a world leader in sustainable tourism, says, Ireth Rodriguez Villalobos, Marketing director, Costa Rica Tourist Board. "Our world-class golf courses, resorts and lodges embedded within beautiful rainforests, along coastlines that have a mountainous back-drop offer a unique experience for golf travelers from all over the world."

IAGTO is the global trade organization for the golf tourism industry, comprising more than 2,100 companies in 95 countries. The Golf Destination and Golf Resort awards are voted for by more than 600 IAGTO specialist golf tour operator members from more than 60 countries. Criteria included: customer satisfaction; quality of golf courses and accommodation; value for money; support from suppliers, tourist boards & airlines; professional conduct of suppliers; and accessibility to tee times.

For more information on the IAGTO, please visit http://www.iagto.com/ or for more information on Costa Rica, visit www.visitcostarica.com .