Showing the Algarve charms: our experience at the Vakantiebeurs Tourism Fair in the Netherlands

Showing the Algarve charms: our experience at the Vakantiebeurs Tourism Fair in the NetherlandsTee Times Golf Agency participated with the Associação de Turismo do Algarve in the prestigious Vakantiebeurs Tourism Fair in the Netherlands (January 11-14), which provided an extraordinary chance to immerse ourselves in Dutch travel culture and present the wonders of the Algarve region to golf lovers and those seeking Portugal Golf Holidays.

The Algarve region is well-known for its picturesque landscapes and world-renowned golf courses, which were highlighted on our stand. From vibrant Lisbon to the stunning cliffs in the Algarve region, we presented the diversity of experiences travellers can enjoy in this unique destination.

The Vakantiebeurs Tourism Fair  

Our specialized approach to golf with the Associação de Turismo do Algarve stood out from the crowd. We highlighted the world-class golf courses designed by golf legends that make Portugal a paradise for enthusiasts of this sport. From fields on the Algarve coast to the hills of Sintra, each shot becomes an unforgettable experience.

“Vakantiebeurs Tourism Fair (in Utrecht) is focused on the public in the Netherlands. We were promoting our Tee Times Golf Agency and the golf packages in the Algarve and Portugal. Our main objective is to make known our brand and the services we have provided for 30 years”, said Jorge Diogo, Tee Times Golf Agency Director of Sales & Marketing.

“It is worth noting that Portugal was chosen the best golf destination in the world for 2023 at the 10th edition of the World Golf Awards, held in Abu Dhabi”, explained Jorge.

Holidays in Portugal: Beyond Golf

Beyond the golf courses, we highlighted the diversity of vacation options in Portugal. From tasting wines in the Douro Valley to exploring the rich history of Lisbon, our stand showcased the unforgettable experiences the Algarve region and Portugal offer.

Our visit to the Vakantiebeurs Tourism Fair was the perfect opportunity to inspire travellers to discover the Portuguese magic and inquire about the Portugal Golf Breaks we offer at Tee Times Golf Agency.

We are sure that we have once again sown the seed for an unforgettable vacation in this corner of the world. We look forward to welcoming many more golf lovers and adventurers willing to explore all Portugal offers! Visit Tee Times Golf Agency’s website and book your Portugal Golf Holiday today.

Victoria and Old Course Renovation

Victoria and Old Course Renovation

Victoria and Old Course Renovation
After purchasing five courses and hotels in Vilamoura from the Dom Pedro Group, Arrow Global Portugal Group is now renovating two of the most famous courses in Europe, the Victoria Course and the Old Course.

The Victoria Golf Course, designed by American Arnold Palmer and widely regarded as one of the most difficult in Europe, closed for good on December 11, 2023, after nearly 20 years in operation. Its last tournament was the 35th Vilamoura Grand Trophy. The course, clubhouse, and their surroundings will all undergo extensive renovations as part of Victoria’s reopening in February 2025. Approximately 17 million euros have been set aside for this renovation.

The well-known South African professional Ernie Els, who is making his first appearance in Portugal, is creating the new course. Els and his architectural team recently designed the course’s makeover after spending a week in Vilamoura.

The former Victoria Golf Course has hosted the Portugal Masters sixteen times and the 2005 World Cup. The course closed in December, after operating for 19 and a half years. On February 20, 2025, it will reopen with a fresh layout.

At the same time, the Old Course, a golfing treasure in the Algarve, will be closed for about a month starting on December 11, 2023, and is expected to reopen in early January. The course’s design, fairways, and greens will be improved. The Old Course’s clubhouse is undergoing enhancements to better serve visitors.

Arrow Global Portugal Group is actively seeking to increase its presence in the Portuguese golfing market, as it has several courses throughout the country’s northern, central, and Algarve areas.

While the Victoria Course and the Old Course remain closed, other greens from the group remain available, such as Pinhal Golf Course, Laguna Golf Course, and Millenium Golf Course. You can book your green fee in Vilamoura directly with us here at Tee Times.

via Valdemar Afonso

35th Vilamoura Grand Trophy of Golf

35th Vilamoura Grand Trophy of Golf
The 35th Vilamoura Grand Trophy of Golf is an esteemed annual amateur tournament held in southern Portugal. It was held during the first week of December, and it is considered a major golf tournament in the Algarve. The event includes three rounds on distinct worldly-famous courses: the Victoria Course, the Old Course, and the Pinhal Golf Course.

Currently overseen by the Arrow Global Portugal Group, which recently acquired the Vilamoura fields and hotel units Dom Pedro, the competition has numerous entities extending their support, including Solverde, Vista Alegre, D. Pedro Vilamoura, Hotel Hilton, and Hotel Vila Galé, among others.

As the last competition to be held on the Victoria course, this tournament has historical significance. This distinguished course has hosted some of Portugal’s most well-known international competitions, such as the Portugal Masters, which held its final edition in 2022, and the World Cup in 2005.

In its 35th year, the tournament attracted 300 competitors from 15 nations (including partners and companions; the number goes to 350). The weather during the event was flawless, with clear skies, mild temperatures (around 20 degrees), abundant sunshine, barely any wind, and consistently great temperatures. As the event ended, it felt like a summer day.

For some from colder climates—like the Nordic nations, UK, Ireland, and Germany—where snow and ice cover the ground in winter, playing golf in the Algarve under the bright sun allowed them to soak in the sun daily.

Per Nilsson, a Swede, earned the 35th Vilamoura Grand Trophy.

A successful event, without incident, was made possible by the reliably good weather throughout the competition, the quality of Vilamoura Golf Courses, and the competition organisation, the latter two of which you can attest to as well. Grab your chance here at Tee Times Golf Agency and enjoy a trophy-worthy golf holiday in Vilamoura. Soak up the year-round sun and the prime golf courses of the Algarve with us!

via Valdemar Afonso