The International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO) has named Chiang Mai, Thailand one of Asia & Australasia’s Golf Destinations of the Year for 2017. Tanes Petsuwan, the Thai tourism authority’s deputy governor for international marketing, accepted the award at the 17th annual IAGTO awards ceremony in Palma de Mallorca, Spain. “Sport is now a major draw for tourists, and we are encouraging more golfers by offering facilities that are second to none, stunning scenery and amazing attractions to enjoy when the day’s games are over,” Petsuwan said in his acceptance speech. At the same event, the Laguna Phuket Golf Club received the award for the Sustainable Golf Course of the Year for the Asian region in 2017. Thai tourist spots have previously won the Golf Destination of the Year award, including Pattaya in 2006 and 2010, Hua Hin in 2012 and Prachuap Khiri Khan in 2014.