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Golf’s most comprehensive and widely regarded sustainability distinction has been added on the Resort list of awards and certifications.
Aphrodite Hills Golf Resort in Cyprus has gained its first major environmental honour in the annual IAGTO Sustainability Awards.
Following on from being named ‘European Golf Resort of the Year 2018’, Aphrodite Hills Resort has now been awarded a Special Award from IAGTO. As part of the prestigious IAGTO Awards that celebrate the best in the global golf tourism industry and are staged by global golf tourism industry organisation IAGTO (International Association of Golf Tour Operators), the Sustainability Awards are held in conjunction with golf sustainability body, GEO Foundation, and recognize environmental and social excellence in golf.
The award ceremony was made at the gala dinner to celebrate the IAGTO Awards in Marrakech, Morocco at the end of the International Golf Travel Market in front of 1,200 golf tourism industry delegates.
In his citation, GEO Foundation Executive Director Jonathan Smith said:
“The overall award for outstanding commitment to sustainable golf goes to Aphrodite Hills in Cyprus. The facility achieved GEO Certified status for the first time in July 2019 and has demonstrated high standards and processes in the areas of nature, resources and community. Highlights from the course range from turfgrass selection to reduce water and other inputs, upgrading to hybrid green mowers and plans for the creation of nature trails and hiking paths in the Randidi Gorge and the Randi Forest to encourage resort guests to explore. The club also collects hundreds of bottle caps on a daily basis for a local charity that turns them into wheelchairs for people with disabilities.”
Aphrodite Hills Golf Director, Andrew Darker said:
‘’Every effort that we put is made to implement environmental measures in the maintenance of the golf course which will benefit the environment and the game in the long term. Our aim is to maintain its high quality, in more sustainable and more environmentally friendly ways.
“The environmental consciousness of our multi-skilled Golf Team has always been top priority. We also dedicate time and resources into youth golf with the aim of encouraging a new generation to try the sport. Our biggest game is the Environment, and this has become our Team’s culture. We are very proud that these important environmental certifications such as GEO and Green Club, keep on coming aboard.
You play better when you really care.’’
This award is a recognition of the multi-level efforts made for ensuring the sustainable operation of the Golf Club in the areas of energy consumption, water consumption, waste management, the use of environmentally friendly personal cleanliness and detergent, food and drink quality, and environmental education.
The Resort’s environmental policies are designed to respect the natural landscape and existing ecosystem, and lessen the impact of human activity. This approach therefore takes advantage of the natural sea breezes and solar power, both of which are plentiful in Cyprus, in order to conserve energy.
The construction of each building on the Resort grounds has been carefully planned to ensure minimal impact on the environment. All external light fixtures are energy conserving and minimize light pollution, and solar panels are used throughout.
All gardens are maintained using organic and eco-friendly products, ensuring that they are non-toxic, and harmless to the environment. Residents of the Aphrodite Hills Residences are also encouraged to use these methods on their own properties.
Guests are all encouraged to walk or ride on the many pedestrian and cycle routes that make their way all across the Resort grounds.
Opened in 2002, with a course designed by the acclaimed architect Cabell Robinson, the Aphrodite Hills Golf Course, PGA National Cyprus was renovated in 2017 which enhanced its challenge for golfers and its environmental sustainability.
Aphrodite Hills Resort is the first and only comprehensive golf, leisure and real estate development in Cyprus. In the last 10 years more than 750 properties have been constructed and sold to purchasers from all over the world.
The certified PGA National Cyprus Golf Resort offers a plethora of luxurious amenities and activities for a very unique experience; surrounded by a stunning multi award-winning Golf Course of 500,000 square metres which is located literally on your doorstep and with an amazing combined view of the Mediterranean Sea and the mythological forest of Aphrodite, Aphrodite Hills Resort, is officially the Best Golf Resort in Europe.
The Resort provides unique accommodation and activity options. The 5-Star Aphrodite Hills Hotel by Atlantica Hotels consists of 290 superb guest rooms and suites elegantly combined with a serenity offered by the spectacular gardens, golf, sea and pool views. Alternatively, a great number of the luxurious Villas and Apartments are available for those who opt for self-catering holidays with innovative 5-Star Hotel services and extraordinary privileges and amenities, offered by Aphrodite Hills Holiday Residences.
