Algarve: A Trusted Tourism Region Where Golf Takes Center Stage

For yet another year, the Algarve has earned the coveted title of “Most Trusted Tourism Region”, according to the latest survey conducted by Selecções do Reader’s Digest. Garnering an impressive 39.5% of the votes from 12,000 households across Portugal, the Algarve has outshined other regions by a significant margin—rising 13.9 percentage points from 2024, according to a press release from the Algarve Tourism Bureau.

This recognition comes as the Algarve celebrates 55 years of its regional tourism board. “It is with great pride that we receive this distinction again,” said André Gomes, President of Algarve Tourism. “This trust motivates us to continue delivering quality, authenticity, and unforgettable experiences.”

While the region’s pristine beaches and sunny climate are world-renowned, golf has emerged as one of its most defining attractions for international travellers and locals alike. With over 40 top-tier golf courses, breathtaking landscapes, and a mild climate year-round, the Algarve is firmly positioned as one of Europe’s premier golf destinations.

A Trusted Tourism Region: The Key Role of Golf

Golf is key to this “Most Trusted Tourism Region” success story. As a leading provider of tailored packages in the Algarve and beyond, Tee Times Golf Holidays offers a seamless blend of premium service, local expertise, and personalized experiences. Whether you’re looking to tee off at iconic courses like Monte Rei, Vale do Lobo, or Quinta do Lago or seek a golf holiday that combines luxury accommodation with competitive rates, Tee Times delivers.

The Portuguese domestic market continues to be the Algarve’s most significant source of visitors, with 1.4 million guests and 4.7 million overnight stays in 2024 alone. This steady flow of travellers—many of whom are passionate golfers—reflects the region’s exceptional value and enduring appeal.

As trust in the Algarve soars, so does its reputation as a golfer’s paradise. For those planning their next golfing escape, there’s never been a better time to experience everything the region—and Tee Times Golf Holidays—has to offer.

GEO Certified for Vilamoura Golf: Leading the Sustainable Way

Big cheers to Vilamoura Golf! Four of its iconic courses—The Old Course, Pinhal, Millennium, and Laguna—have just bagged two of the top sustainability awards in the game: GEO Certified® and Biosphere Certified. That’s right: Vilamoura Golf fairways are officially recognised for doing good by nature while still delivering world-class golf experiences.

These aren’t just fancy titles. GEO Certified® is the gold standard in sustainable golf, given to courses that seriously walk the talk when it comes to environmental care, community support, and resource conservation. The Biosphere Certification, on the other hand, shows real commitment to the UN’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals—so yeah, it’s a pretty big deal.

Vilamoura Golf sets the bar high, from upgraded irrigation systems to cutting back on chemicals and giving local ecosystems the love they deserve. For example, the Old Course was praised for a new energy-efficient pump station and a pine tree management program that’s helping biodiversity thrive. Millennium stood out for its water-saving efforts, and Laguna was impressed with a 20% drop in water use thanks to a smart irrigation makeover. And let’s not forget Pinhal, who was recognised for supporting youth golf education and collaborating with local groups to boost community impact.

Vilamoura Golf and Sustainability: a Guiding Principle

The Vilamoura Golf courses are managed by the platform DETAILS, where sustainability isn’t just a goal—it’s a guiding principle. Co-CEO Nuno Sepúlveda emphasised how deeply the team values protecting the region’s natural beauty.

“Vilamoura has some of nature’s most stunning settings, and we feel a great weight of responsibility to make sure it not only is maintained but flourishes for generations to come”, said Sepúlveda.

“Understanding the importance of sustainability and avoiding waste of any sort is a key part of our business strategy and also increasingly important for our customers and visitors. We are grateful to receive these very prestigious accolades and are determined to ensure we continue to be the leader when it comes to setting a strong environmental agenda”, he added.

At Tee Times Golf Holidays, we’ve always been proud to offer the best golf packages in the Algarve and across Portugal—but we’re even prouder to work with destinations like Vilamoura that are investing in a greener future. Sustainability matters to us and the golfers we serve, and it’s great to see it becoming a core part of the game we love.

Ready to tee off on courses that care as much about the environment as they do about your experience? Let’s plan your next Portugal golf holiday with us.

Game Changer at Old Course Vilamoura: Trackman Technology Hits the Algarve

When it comes to golf holidays, few places match the charm and innovation you’ll find at the Old Course Vilamoura, one of Tee Times‘ standout destinations. Always popular among golfers visiting Portugal, this legendary Algarve course just got even better thanks to its exciting new partnership with Trackman, the global leader in ball-tracking technology.

Here’s the deal: Old Course Vilamoura is now officially the first course in the Algarve to roll out Trackman’s state-of-the-art tech, changing the way you practice, play, and even compete. Whether you’re working on your swing at the driving range (the largest in Portugal, by the way, with 20 spacious bays) or virtually teeing off from iconic holes using advanced golf simulators, Trackman has you covered.

This innovative partnership, guided by DETAILS (the team behind some of Portugal’s coolest hospitality and sports venues), means golfers get precision feedback on every swing—rain or shine, day or night. The best part? It’s totally free for all guests. Add to that personalised service, welcome gifts, and refreshing snacks throughout the round, and you’ve got a golfing experience that’s genuinely next-level.

Cutting edge at Old Course Vilamoura

Nuno Sepulveda, Co-CEO at DETAILS, sums it up perfectly: “We’re always looking to push the boundaries and keep Vilamoura at the cutting edge of golf. With Trackman, we’re offering golfers the chance to have fun, sharpen their game, and experience our courses virtually from anywhere in the world.”

This fabulous tech addition is just one highlight of Old Course Vilamoura’s impressive recent makeover, including a stylish new clubhouse that blends modern luxury with classic Algarve charm. Sustainability has also been front and centre, with eco-friendly irrigation systems, drought-tolerant grass varieties, energy-efficient Hydropresser stations, and electric-powered equipment reducing the environmental impact.

Ready to hit the greens? Tee Times Golf Holidays invites you to experience the upgraded Old Course Vilamoura firsthand—where technology meets tradition and sustainability meets superb service. Pack your clubs, bring your friends, and prepare for a golf holiday with the best packages that set a new standard for fun, innovation, and unforgettable memories in the Algarve.

Photo: My Golf Way.