Portugal Golf

Restaurant Al Sud: a culinary jewel where gastronomy and golf match in Portugal

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The restaurant Al Sud has been awarded a Michelin star for the fourth consecutive year, solidifying its position as one of Portugal’s standout culinary destinations. Located within the stunning surroundings of Palmares Ocean Living & Golf, this restaurant offers diners a unique gastronomic experience that blends the best cuisine with panoramic views and an exceptional ambience for those looking for extraordinary Portugal golf breaks.

Restaurant Al Sud Michelin Guide recognition

Led by renowned chef Louis Anjos, the team at Al Sud has maintained the coveted Michelin star since its opening in 2021. The recognition was announced during the Michelin Guide Portugal 2024 Gala on February 27th, a historic event held for the first time in the Algarve.

Al Sud is situated in the Clubhouse of Palmares, one of the clubs with the most outstanding reputation that Tee Times Golf Agency offers, where guests can enjoy breathtaking views of Lagos Bay and the Alvor Estuary. The restaurant provides an elegant, welcoming atmosphere that perfectly complements Chef Louis Anjos’s culinary excellence.

Restaurant Al Sud’s cuisine stands out for its contemporary and creative approach, using fresh, local ingredients, especially fish and seafood, that the chef sources daily from the Sagres auction. The “A Discovery” tasting menu features ten carefully crafted dishes that capture the essence of the region and its ingredients, showcasing the chef’s passion and talent in every bite.

Palmares Ocean Living & Golf

For travellers seeking top-tier Portugal golf holidays, Palmares Ocean Living & Golf stands out as one of the premier destinations Tee Times Golf Agency proposes. With its stunning Robert Trent Jones Jr.-designed three 9-hole linked golf courses, luxurious amenities, and breathtaking surroundings overlooking the Bay of Lagos, Palmares offers a golfing experience with excellent places to stay, like the Palmares Beach House Hotel and signature apartments. It is worth noting that the complex will soon include a JW Marriott Hotel and other ones. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer looking to test your talents on a world-class course or a leisure traveller seeking relaxation amidst natural beauty, Palmares promises an unforgettable escape combining Portugal’s best golf and tourism.

Restaurant Al Sud’s recognition by the Michelin Guide is just another testament to Portugal’s flourishing culinary scene. With 170 restaurants featured in the guide, the country is experiencing a moment of great culinary maturity, with new openings and exciting proposals emerging across the territory. From Lisbon to the Algarve, the passion for good food and the talent of local chefs are attracting international attention and establishing Portugal as a world-class culinary destination.

Castro Marim Golf: a historic escape to remember

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Castro Marim Golf & Country Club emerges as one of these hidden gems in Portugal, nestled in the picturesque landscape near the medieval town of Castro Marim. With its three exceptional nine-hole golf courses, the resort offers an unparalleled golfing experience for those looking for the best Portugal golf holidays. Each course, namely The Guadiana, The Atlantic, and The Grouse presents unique challenges and breathtaking views, ensuring players stay energized by the game in a fantastic journey through lush greenery and panoramic vistas.

Designed by Terry Murray and enriched by the natural beauty of the surroundings, the courses boast undulating contours, inviting fairways, and fast, true greens. The Guadiana Course, embraced by attractive pine trees, provides a serene backdrop for a memorable round of golf. Meanwhile, The Atlantic Course offers captivating sea views, enhancing the golfing experience with its coastal charm. The Grouse Course, the newest addition, showcases expansive inland hill views and rolling terrain, creating a golfing haven for enthusiasts of all levels.

Castro Marim Golf and the history

Beyond the allure of the golf courses, Castro Marim Golf & Country Club captivates visitors with its rich history and scenic surroundings. The town of Castro Marim, with its medieval castle and star-shaped fort, exudes a timeless charm, inviting exploration of its cobblestone streets and traditional architecture. Nearby, the Sapal Nature Reserve offers opportunities for birdwatching and immersion in the region’s natural wonders.

For those seeking the ultimate golfing getaway, Tee Times Golf Agency provides a seamless experience, allowing golf enthusiasts to discover not only Castro Marim Golf but also an array of premier golf destinations across Portugal and Spain. As an IAGTO member, Tee Times Golf Agency ensures access to exclusive deals and unparalleled service, making every golf trip a memorable adventure.

In the enchanting Algarve region, where sunshine abounds, and coastal beauty mesmerizes, golfers find paradise on the fairways of Castro Marim Golf. With Tee Times Golf Agency as your guide for your best Portugal golf breaks, embark on a journey to build special memories that will last a lifetime.

Tourism triumph: fueling the resurgence of the Portugal economy in 2023

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In 2023, the Portugal economy experienced a significant turnaround in its economic fortunes, transitioning from a deficit to an external surplus of 7.2 billion euros. This remarkable achievement, as reported by the Banco de Portugal, was propelled mainly by record-breaking exports in the travel and tourism sector. This surge in tourism-related revenues played a pivotal role in reshaping the country’s economic landscape, demonstrating the indispensable contribution of the tourism industry to Portugal’s overall prosperity.

The external surplus of 7.2 billion euros in 2023 represented 2.7% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), marking it the third-highest surplus in recent history and the highest since 2013. This robust surplus underscores the resilience and dynamism of the Portugal economy, particularly in the face of global challenges.

Central to this economic transformation was the exceptional performance of the travel and tourism sector, which witnessed unprecedented growth in both exports and imports. In 2023, travel and tourism exports reached a staggering 25.1 billion euros, while imports amounted to 6.3 billion euros. This surge in tourism-related exports, totalling a 19% increase over the previous year, was pivotal in driving Portugal’s economic resurgence.

Key contributing factors to this surge include increased visitation from major source markets such as the United Kingdom, France, and Germany, which contributed substantial tourism revenues to Portugal in 2023. The influx of tourists from these countries bolstered Portugal’s tourism receipts and stimulated growth in ancillary sectors, including hospitality, transportation, and retail.

Moreover, the positive performance of Portugal’s balance of goods and services, with a surplus of 3.3 billion euros in 2023, further underscores the significant role played by the tourism industry in the country’s economic revitalisation. This surplus, coupled with a decrease in the deficit of the balance of goods, reflects the resilience and adaptability of Portugal’s export-oriented industries.

The momentum generated by the tourism sector’s resurgence is poised to catalyse further economic growth and development in Portugal. As the country continues to leverage its rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and vibrant tourism offerings, it remains well-positioned to capitalise on emerging possibilities in the global tourism market.

Golf tourism: a key player for the Portugal economy

Amidst Portugal’s tourism boom in 2023, golf tourism emerged as a key player, significantly contributing to the Portugal economy and the tourism sector. Through its tailored packages and offerings, Tee Times Golf Agency has attracted golf enthusiasts from around the globe who look for Portugal golf breaks. Still, it has also spurred economic activity in various regions of the country. From the breathtaking Algarve to the stunning landscapes of Lisbon and Porto, our meticulously crafted travel packages showcase the best of Portugal’s golfing destinations.

As proud contributors to Portugal’s tourism industry, Tee Times Golf Agency is committed to continuing our efforts to promote the country’s rich cultural heritage and unparalleled golfing experiences to travellers worldwide. With a steadfast dedication to excellence, we strive to uphold Portugal’s reputation as a premier destination for golf tourism, ensuring unforgettable memories for every traveller who chooses to explore our stunning country with us.

In conclusion, the remarkable turnaround in the Portugal economy in 2023, characterised by a substantial external surplus, underscores the vital role played by the tourism industry in driving economic prosperity and resilience. With tourism emerging as a linchpin of Portugal’s financial strategy, sustained investment and innovation in this sector are essential to ensure continued growth and prosperity in the years to come.