Shaping the Future: Vilamoura’s Visionary New Sports Centre

Vilamoura is set to elevate its status as a premier global destination with the announcement of a groundbreaking sports centre, brought to life through a partnership between Details – Hospitality, Sports, Leisure, and the renowned US-based Next Practice Partners (NPP). This transformative project will position Vilamoura and Portugal at the forefront of sports innovation, with the state-of-the-art facility slated to open in 2026. The centre will offer a wide range of sports and leisure activities, including [specific activities], catering to sports enthusiasts, families, and professional athletes.

With 25 hectares, the Centro Desportivo de Vilamoura will stand as one of Europe’s largest sports centres, seamlessly blending avant-garde design with a steadfast commitment to sustainability. NPP, renowned for its visionary work with global icons like Disney/ESPN Wide World of Sports and the City of Las Vegas, will craft the strategic and business plans as well as the conceptual framework for the facility. The centre will be a beacon of environmental responsibility, integrating ESG directives to ensure sustainability while actively contributing to the local community.

Vilamoura Sports Centre in Detail

Nuno Sepúlveda, Co-CEO of Details, describes the project as a “new era for sports in Vilamoura and Portugal,” aiming to create a destination that attracts sports enthusiasts, families, and professional athletes worldwide. Neelay Bhatt, Founder and CEO of NPP, echoes this sentiment, emphasising their shared belief in the transformative power of sports. “This centre will be a space that inspires, challenges, and elevates all who visit, showcasing what can be achieved through bold, forward-thinking initiatives,” Bhatt notes.

Complementing the development, Vilamoura’s Equestrian Center will return to international importance in 2025 with the GRANDPRIX Winter Series. Details’ portfolio already boasts an array of leisure and sports assets, including the historic Old Course, which underwent extensive renovations in 2024, further enhancing Vilamoura’s prestige as a top golf destination.

Tee Times Golf Agency proudly supports visionary initiatives that enhance Algarve and Portugal’s global sporting appeal. With over 30 years of expertise, Tee Times offers unparalleled golf packages, ensuring visitors can experience Vilamoura and the Algarve’s finest.

As Vilamoura ushers in this new chapter, its innovative sports centre promises to redefine excellence, impacting the region and its global visitors.

Algarve Resorts Achieve 16% Reduction in Water Consumption

According to a recent article by The Portugal News, tourism resorts in the Algarve have successfully reduced their overall water consumption.According to a recent article by The Portugal News, tourism resorts in the Algarve have successfully reduced their overall water consumption by 16% as of November, with a 15% reduction in specific water use per overnight stay during the same period. These findings are detailed in the fourth monitoring report on water consumption and efficiency measures conducted by ADENE, the Energy Agency, under the Algarve Water Efficiency Commitment.

Key improvements came from enhanced irrigation systems, upgraded management and maintenance protocols, and the implementation of efficient equipment. By the end of November, 2,652 measures to reduce water usage were in effect, nearly half (46%) of which were categorised as structural changes. The initiative, coordinated by the Algarve Tourism Board in partnership with Turismo de Portugal and ADENE, demonstrates a strong commitment to addressing water scarcity in the region.

André Gomes, President of Turismo do Algarve, highlighted the positive trend: “The evolution recorded is very positive, with the overall reduction in consumption increasing from 13% to 16% in the last two months. These results significantly mitigate the Algarve’s water scarcity challenges and offer direct economic savings for over 100 tourism companies participating in the ‘Save Water’ initiative.”

The “Save Water” seal will expand in the coming year to include Local Accommodation providers and other tourism-related sectors. This voluntary program stems from a Council of Ministers resolution in February urging tourism businesses to adopt immediate and structural water efficiency measures. Participating companies receive the “Save Water” certification, signalling their commitment to sustainable practices.

As water scarcity becomes a critical concern worldwide, the Algarve’s proactive approach serves as a model for sustainable tourism. Tee Times Golf Agency applauds these efforts and remains dedicated to promoting environmentally responsible travel. Through partnerships with eco-conscious resorts and tailored golf packages for the best Portugal golf holidays, we support a vision of sustainable golf tourism that preserves natural beauty for future generations.

André Gomes Elected President of Associação Turismo do Algarve

André Gomes has been unanimously elected as the President of the Associação Turismo do Algarve (ATA) for the 2024-2027 term.André Gomes has been unanimously elected as the President of the Associação Turismo do Algarve (ATA) for the 2024-2027 term following the General Assembly held at the Algarve Tourism Board auditorium. With 103 votes in favour, this election underscores the confidence of ATA members in Gomes’ leadership. It paves the way for continuing a strategy that has significantly boosted the Algarve’s standing as a leading global tourism destination.

During his first term, Gomes achieved remarkable milestones, such as expanding ATA’s member base, increasing participation in financial support programs for marketing and sales plans, and strengthening the region’s air connectivity, notably with the inaugural direct flight between New York/Newark and Faro operated by United Airlines. The Algarve’s international recognition also soared, earning titles such as Europe’s Best Beach Destination for the 10th time at the World Travel Awards 2023 and the World’s Best Beach Destination in 2024.

Looking forward, André Gomes is committed to a strategy rooted in innovation, effective collaboration with the Algarve Tourism Board (RTA), and sustainable tourism practices. He said, “This mandate will be dedicated to consolidating the work already done while introducing strategies that expand our reach and amplify results, catering to the needs of both our members and visitors.”

Tee Times Golf Agency’s Commitment to the Algarve

At Tee Times Golf Agency, we deeply value the crucial role played by Associação Turismo do Algarve in promoting the region as a premier destination for tourism and golf. The Algarve is not just a haven for sun-seekers but a paradise for golfers, offering world-class courses and the best golf packages that attract enthusiasts from across the globe for unforgettable holidays. It is also worth remembering that Portugal was again chosen as the best golf destination in the world in the latest edition of the World Golf Awards.

We are proud to align our efforts with ATA’s mission of fostering sustainable tourism and showcasing the Algarve’s diverse offerings. Together, we aim to continue building on the region’s success, ensuring unforgettable experiences for visitors who choose the Algarve as their destination.

Tee Times congratulates André Gomes, and his Associação Turismo do Algarve team for their unwavering dedication to the Algarve’s future. We look forward to supporting this new chapter of collaboration and excellence.