Inspirational

Onyria Quinta da Marinha Hotel wins sustainability award

Posted on by

The Onyria Quinta da Marinha Hotel has again been recognised for its commitment to sustainability, receiving the “Economic Sustainability in Hospitality” award from the prestigious Great Hotels of the World. This accolade, part of the Sustainable Future awards, highlights the hotel‘s support for the Mozambican project Girl Move Academy, which focuses on promoting female education and leadership.

The Onyria Group, a testament to the vision of its founder José Carlos Pinto Coelho, has been a pioneer in sustainable hospitality for nearly 30 years. The group’s journey began in 1986 with the acquisition of a portion of Quinta da Marinha in Cascais. This marked the birth of the Onyria Quinta da Marinha Hotel, the group’s first major hotel management project and a significant milestone in its commitment to sustainably offering the best life experiences. Today, the hotel stands as the ‘birthplace’ and headquarters of Onyria, a living testament to the group’s enduring legacy.

Onyria Quinta da Marinha Hotel recognition

Paulo Figueiredo, the general manager of the Onyria Quinta da Marinha Hotel, expressed pride in the recognition and reaffirmed the hotel’s dedication to sustainable tourism. “We want to continue on the path of more sustainable and conscious tourism, both environmentally and economically and socially,” Figueiredo stated in an interview with the prestigious media TNews. “This award is yet another acknowledgement of the work we have done and intend to continue.”

This is the second consecutive year the Sustainable Future Awards have honoured the hotel. Last year, it was recognised in the category of Sustainable Events for its eco-friendly conferences. The awards highlight sustainability initiatives across various domains of environmental, economic, and event organisation.

Over the years, the Onyria Quinta da Marinha Hotel, located 30 kilometres from Lisbon, has pioneered a range of unique sustainability initiatives. Nestled in the pristine Sintra-Cascais Park, the hotel provides guests with bicycles for eco-friendly exploration within the resort. In a bold move towards electric mobility, the hotel has replaced traditional golf course buggies with sleek electric motorcycles since 2020, setting a new standard for sustainable golfing experiences.

The Onyria Group

The Onyria Group owns several properties, including the Onyria Quinta da Marinha Hotel, Villas, Golf course in Cascais, and A House in Estoril. The Onyria Quinta da Marinha Golf course, designed by the renowned American architect Robert Trent Jones, offers an 18-hole, par 71 course that stretches 5,870 meters between Cascais and Cabo da Roca. This course combines challenging play with the scenic beauty of the Atlantic Ocean and the Sintra Mountains, providing an unforgettable experience for golfers.

Onyria Group locations, especially The Onyria Quinta da Marinha Golf course, are in high demand among Tee Times Golf Agency clients looking for the best experiences for their Portugal golf holidays.

Associação Portuguesa de Greenkeepers: Tiago Piano elected president

Posted on by

The Associação Portuguesa de Greenkeepers (APG) has announced its new leadership for the next four years. Leading the team is Tiago Piano, a seasoned professional with a strong background in team management, planning, and budgeting, currently serving as the Golf Course Superintendent at Belas Clube de Campo. Nuno Teixeira will assist him, bringing his expertise as the vice president and Miguel Grosso as the treasurer. This capable team is committed to upholding the APG’s mission of promoting excellence and sustainability in golf course maintenance across Portugal.

Tiago Piano’s appointment as the new president of the Associação Portuguesa de Greenkeepers marks a significant step in the association’s journey. With his extensive experience in managing golf course operations and ensuring high standards of maintenance and sustainability, he is well-equipped to lead the APG in advancing its objectives. These include providing comprehensive technical information, training, and networking opportunities to its members. The Associação Portuguesa de Greenkeepers aims to create a synergistic environment that benefits the golf course maintenance industry by fostering communication among members, sponsors, and partners.

In 2023, Portugal was honoured as the world’s best golf destination, a testament to its greenkeepers’ hard work and dedication. This prestigious recognition highlights the exceptional quality of Portuguese golf courses chosen by golfers from around the globe for their Portugal golf holidays. The award underscores the vital role greenkeepers play in maintaining these world-class courses, ensuring they meet the high standards expected by international visitors.

The Associação Portuguesa de Greenkeepers and sustainability 

One of the APG’s primary focuses is championing sustainability within the golf course maintenance industry. Recognizing the pivotal role of greenkeepers in implementing eco-friendly practices, the APG advocates for efficient water resource management to prevent waste and promote sustainable irrigation systems, particularly in water-scarce areas. Moreover, the association promotes using organic fertilizers and integrated pest management techniques to reduce reliance on harmful chemicals. These initiatives protect local ecosystems and foster biodiversity on golf courses, demonstrating the APG’s commitment to environmental stewardship.

Furthermore, the Associação Portuguesa de Greenkeepers is dedicated to continuously educating its members on sustainable practices. By staying informed about the latest advancements and methodologies, greenkeepers can ensure that golf courses offer a high-quality experience while preserving the environment. This commitment to education and sustainability reflects the APG’s goal of harmonizing sports and environmental stewardship.

The APG’s dedication to excellence is also evident in the achievements of its members on the international stage. Recently, Portuguese greenkeepers represented the association at the prestigious Wells Fargo Championship, one of the eight signature events of the PGA Tour this year. Congratulations to Tiago Lobato and Luís Andrés Pinto for showcasing Portuguese greenkeepers’ high standards and skills at such a prominent event.

Under Tiago Piano’s leadership, the Associação Portuguesa de Greenkeepers is well-positioned to continue promoting sustainable practices and professional excellence in golf course maintenance, ensuring that Portugal remains at the forefront of the golf industry.

Nuno Sepúlveda: ready to tee up the Conselho Nacional da Indústria do Golfe’s potential

Posted on by

Nuno Sepúlveda, the recently elected president of the Conselho Nacional da Indústria do Golfe (CNIG) of Portugal for the term 2024-2027, lays out his plans to address water issues, VAT concerns, the return of major tournaments, and the lack of comprehensive data on the golf industry’s economic and social impact. He also discusses the optimal utilisation of the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR) over the next three years. He promises a mandate where the diversity of its members is presented as a cohesive strength.

At Tee Times Golf Agency, we are enthusiastic about his future management and everything that can be done for the best of golf in Portugal.

Nuno Sepúlveda Portuguese golf overview

In a comprehensive interview with Golf Tattoo, Sepúlveda underscores the importance of inclusivity, aiming to assemble a diverse team within the CNIG. This team will comprise individuals with extensive but not excessive experience in golf, representing various facets of the sport across Portugal. He highlights the need for representation from different golf realities, seeking a harmonised organisational approach that values every member’s contribution.

One significant aspect underlined is the collaborative spirit within the CNIG and its alignment with other key entities, such as the Federação Portuguesa de Golfe (FPG) and the Tourism Confederation of Portugal. Sepúlveda emphasises the necessity of joint efforts in addressing challenges and leveraging opportunities, underscoring the importance of unified action for the collective benefit of the golf industry. This collaborative approach ensures every stakeholder has a voice and role in the industry’s future.

The interview sheds light on several critical areas of focus for the CNIG in the coming years:

1. Water management and bureaucratic streamlining: Nuno Sepúlveda underscores the need for efficient water management practices and calls for streamlining bureaucratic processes to address water-related challenges effectively.

2. VAT reform: the discussion around Value Added Tax (IVA) reform emerges as an essential agenda item. The CNIG is advocating for potential restructuring of VAT to better align with the unique characteristics of the golf industry, such as its seasonal nature and significant capital investments. This could include proposals for reduced rates during off-peak seasons or exemptions for certain types of golf-related services.

3. Revival of major events: Sepúlveda emphasises the significance of bringing back major golf events to Portugal, recognising their positive impact on tourism and the local economy.

4. Data-driven decision-making: he underscores the importance of accurate and up-to-date data in informing decision-making processes within the golf industry, particularly in resource management and marketing strategies.

5. Collaborative initiatives: the CNIG aims to foster collaborative initiatives with various stakeholders, including professional associations like the PGA of Portugal, to drive growth and development in the golf sector.

6. Investment in research and development: Sepúlveda highlights the importance of investing in research and development, partnering with accredited entities to support the advancement of the golf industry in Portugal.

In conclusion, Nuno Sepúlveda outlines a comprehensive agenda to navigate the challenges and seize opportunities within the Portuguese golf industry over the next three years. By fostering collaboration, embracing diversity, and leveraging data-driven strategies, the CNIG aims to unlock the full potential of the golf industry, ensuring its sustained growth and resilience in the years to come.

Photo by: IT Frame/Publituris