Anguillian and international journalists have been told about the inauguration of a grand professional golf event being planned forAnguillain January 2013.
THE EVENT, as the activity is simply called, was announced at a press conference on Friday, April 27, by Golfitaliano of Italy, in collaboration with CuisinArt Golf Resort & Spa and the Anguilla Tourist Board. It is described as “An Exclusive Golf & Holiday Challenge” taking place at CuisinArt Golf Resort & Spa,Anguilla, from January 19 to 26.
“Auspiciously entitled The EVENT, the week-long tournament will be promoted across social networks,” a release stated. “It will bring together 100 golfers who have been carefully selected from countries across Europe for an exclusive golfing experience with a difference.”
General Manager of CuisinArt Golf Resort & Spa, Stephane Zaharia, said Founder of the tournament, Donato Ala, a professional Italian journalist, specialising in golf events, came toAnguillalast year and was highly impressed by the island and the golf course. “When he heard that CuisinArt had acquired the golf course, he immediately spoke to our representatives in Italy and said ‘I want to plan a big event and put Anguilla on the map,’” Mr. Zaharia recalled. “Mr.Alais now gathering golfers from all over Europe –Italy,France,Holland,Czechoslovakia,Germany,Austria– up to 150 people (including family members and others) – to come to Anguilla. The professional golfers will be golfing everyday on our golf course and will also enjoy all that Anguilla has to offer.”
Mr.Alawas quoted in the release as saying: “The idea for THE EVENT was born out of a press trip that was organised for me by the Anguilla Tourist Board’s representative in Italy, Mr. Stefano de Paoli. The island is so beautiful, and the perfect fit for this event which I believe should be very exclusive.
“The idea is that THE EVENT will not just be a championship golf tournament, nor will it be just a holiday. Activities for everyday will be completely customized: from excursions and days devoted to the spa and culinary classes for non-players, to parties in the best clubs and exclusive dinners in the four restaurants at CuinsinArt Gold Resort & Spa; to the possibility of nautical activities never experienced before, including deep sea fishing for the most adventurous – the intention is to create a memorable vacation experience set against the backdrop of one of the Caribbean’s most prestigious Golf Resorts.”
Mr.Alawas accompanied at the press conference by two international journalists from Czechoslovakia and Holland, RadekJaromersky and Ronald Speijer. Both of them, who were in Anguilla for the first time, commented on the beauty and cleanliness of the island, and the friendliness of its people.
Mr. Zaharia, the General Manager of CuisinArt Golf Resort & Spa, and Mr. Marcella Giamundo, Marketing Representative in Italy, expressed their pleasure in being part of THE EVENT. “We are excited to be working with Mr.Alaon THE EVENT,” said Zaharia. “As a team, we have created a tailor-made programme with special attention to detail, yet leaving enough free time to allow the participants to be able to isolate themselves and enjoy the island at their leisure.”
Director of Tourism, Candis Niles, who was at the press conference, thankedMr.Alaand his colleagues for their very kind comments about Anguilla and hoped that they had enjoyed the island. “We want to say a very special thank you to Mr. Stephane Zaharia, of CuisinArt, who very graciously hosted you for the entirety of your stay (a week), and gave you a chance to experience, firsth and, this very extraordinary golf course,” she said. “It is just gorgeous to see the greens and I am so happy you were able to play and experience it.”
Mrs. Niles stated that the Tourist Board was aware that CuisinArt would promote and maintain the golf course at a very high standard. She said that the Board was looking forward to a number of events, such as the one being planned, becoming a reality.
“We were so pleased to embrace THE EVENT,” the Tourism Director continued. “It is a means of raising the profile, not only of golf in Anguilla, but of the destination as a whole,” she told the journalists.“It is getting the word out there that Anguilla is not an eel, but it is a beautiful island waiting to be discovered.
“It is an island where visitors can come from your countries and enjoy the wonders of our beaches; the warmth and friendliness of our people; enjoy our lovely eclectic cuisine and, most importantly now, the game of golf is also available to your discerning visitors.”
