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Tee Times Golf News – All news related to golf, golf holidays, golf tournaments, events, activities and everything around the world of golf.

Azora expands its golf portfolio with the acquisition of Praia d’El Rey and West Cliffs

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Azora, a Madrid-based European real estate investment manager, has significantly enhanced its presence in the Portuguese market by acquiring the prestigious Praia d’El Rey Resort in Óbidos, Portugal. This acquisition, executed through the Azora European Hotel and Lodging Fund (AEHL), includes the luxurious Marriott Praia d’El Rey hotel, two top-ranked golf courses—Praia del Rey and West Cliffs—and the management of 90 apartments and two food and beverage outlets.

The Marriott Praia d’El Rey, a 177-room, 5-star hotel, is a jewel in our crown. It will continue operating under the Marriott brand, managed by Blue & Green. The hotel, with its stunning backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean, direct beach access, and surrounding golf courses, offers a unique and luxurious experience. It boasts premium amenities, including four dining options, a renovated spa and wellness area, indoor and outdoor pools, a kids club, and extensive meeting and event facilities. The golf courses, recognized among Portugal’s top ten and recipients of the 2023 Golfer’s Choice Award from Leading Courses, are key highlights of the resort.

Azora leadership position

This acquisition is a testament to Azora’s strategic growth in Portugal. It expands our portfolio to include seven hotels and two golf courses with 36 holes. The Praia d’El Rey Resort, with its exceptional facilities and prime location, strengthens Azora’s position as a leader in the leisure and golf destination sector in Europe and underscores our commitment to delivering exceptional experiences to our guests.

Azora’s portfolio now encompasses over 12,000 keys under management, cementing its status as a significant player in the European hospitality and leisure investment sector. Since its inception, Azora has invested over €3 billion in the hospitality industry, acquiring over 100 hotels and 26,000 hotel keys. The company’s strategy focuses on high-quality hotels and urban hostels, targeting assets that require active management and repositioning.

Launched in 2021 with €815 million in capital, AEHL has focused on the vacation hotel segment in major European destinations. The fund employs a value-add strategy, emphasizing asset transformation and active management of hotel operations. Recently, AEHL has also adopted an alternative hotel strategy for urban tourism, targeting a diverse range of travellers and aiming to revolutionize city tourism.

Concha Osácar, one of Azora’s founding partners, expressed confidence in the hospitality sector across the Mediterranean and Southern Europe. She emphasized that the acquisition of Praia d’El Rey Resort marks a significant milestone for AEHL, underscoring Azora’s commitment to high-potential markets and its belief in Portugal’s growing appeal to both European and American tourists.

For over 30 years, Tee Times Golf Agency has offered the best packages for those seeking Portugal golf holidays. With extensive industry experience, we provide unparalleled access to top courses, including the newly acquired by Azora, Praia del Rey and West Cliffs golf courses, ensuring a memorable and high-quality golfing experience.

Tee Times highlights Portugal and Spain in the IAGTO North America Golf Tourism Convention

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Carlos Ferreira, CEO and founder of Tee Times Golf Agency, and Jorge Diogo, Director of Sales and Marketing, recently represented the agency at the 15th IAGTO North America Golf Tourism Convention (NAC) held from June 17-19, 2024, at the Mountain Grand Lodge & Spa in Boyne Falls, Northern Michigan. This prestigious event is a pivotal gathering for the golf tourism industry, bringing together prominent golf resorts, clubs, hotels, tourist boards, and other suppliers from the USA, Canada, Mexico, Latin America, the Caribbean, and beyond.

The IAGTO North America Golf Tourism Convention is known for its highly structured format, facilitating pre-scheduled meetings between suppliers and buyers over two days. This setup fosters meaningful business relationships and networking opportunities. The convention started with a golf tournament at two of Northern Michigan’s premier courses, followed by social functions, including a Welcome Reception and a Farewell Evening function. Delegates enjoyed buffet lunches and evening meetings, ensuring ample informal networking and discussion opportunities.

IAGTO North America Golf Tourism Convention opportunities

Carlos Ferreira and Jorge Diogo seized the opportunity to connect with top tour operators. They successfully showcased the exceptional experiences that Tee Times Golf Agency offers in Portugal, Spain, and other destinations. They effectively highlighted the luxurious golf holidays available through the agency, emphasising their wide range of golf packages, top-class courses, and comprehensive facilities. As an IAGTO member, Tee Times ensures a seamless booking experience and unparalleled golf trips, a testament to our proven track record.

 

Our agency specialises in providing tailored golf holiday packages that cater to every golf enthusiast, from solo players to professional groups. Whether it’s the sun-soaked courses of the Algarve and Costa del Sol, the vibrant streets of Lisbon and Madrid, or the serene landscapes of the Canary Islands, Tee Times ensures a golf trip that exceeds expectations.

During fantastic days, we made valuable business connections at the IAGTO North America Golf Tourism Convention, enjoyed the camaraderie, and shared our experiences with colleagues and friends. We had the opportunity to play golf, participate in the convention’s dinners and activities, and strengthen existing partnerships. This personal touch underscores Tee Times Golf Agency’s commitment to delivering exceptional golf tourism experiences and the warm, welcoming nature of the industry. Congratulations to the organizers. Thank you very much for receiving us and making us feel at home. See you next year!

Tee Times Golf Agency at the 15th IAGTO North America Golf Tourism Convention

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Tee Times Golf Agency is set to take part in the 15th IAGTO North America Golf Tourism Convention (NAC), held at the Mountain Grand Lodge & Spa in Boyne Falls, Northern Michigan, from June 17-19, 2024. This prestigious event brings together key players in the golf tourism industry, including golf resorts, clubs, hotels, tourist boards, and other suppliers from the USA, Canada, Mexico, Latin America, the Caribbean, and beyond.

The NAC is renowned for its highly structured format, where suppliers and buyers engage in pre-scheduled meetings over two days, fostering meaningful business relationships and networking opportunities. This year’s convention starts with a golf tournament across two of Northern Michigan’s premier courses, followed by a series of social functions, including a Welcome Reception and Farewell Evening function. Delegates will also enjoy buffet lunches and evening drinks at the IAGTO Bar, ensuring ample informal networking and discussion opportunities.

Northern Michigan, known for its exceptional golf offerings, particularly with Boyne Golf’s ten courses and two resorts, provides an ideal backdrop for the event. The timing in June is perfect for experiencing the region’s golf courses at their peak condition.

Tee Times Golf Agency, a proud IAGTO member since its founding in 1997, has consistently driven forward the golf tourism industry with a special focus on Portugal and Spain. Our participation in the IAGTO North America Golf Tourism Convention is a testament to our unwavering commitment to fostering growth and innovation in golf tourism, instilling confidence in our partners and clients.

As one of Europe’s leading golf travel agencies, our team specialises in offering top-tier golf and tourism packages, providing exceptional vacation experiences in Portugal and Spain. Our curated packages cater to golf enthusiasts seeking the best courses and luxurious accommodations, ensuring memorable and seamless holidays. The agency’s deep industry knowledge and extensive network enable us to deliver personalised services that meet the highest quality and customer satisfaction standards.

IAGTO North America Golf Tourism Convention program

Attendees began arriving on Wednesday, June 12 and participated in Fam Tours programs until June 15. The event schedule includes a Dinner for Buyers’ Golf Day participants at Grand Traverse Resort on June 15, followed by the Buyers’ Golf Day and NAC Tournament player check-in on June 16.

The first official day, June 17, starts with breakfast at Everett’s Restaurant, followed by the NAC Golf Tournament with a shotgun start at Bay Harbor and The Highlands. The day concludes with a Welcome Reception on the lawns of Mountain Grand Lodge. Convention Day 1 on June 18 will be held at the Civic Center Foyer, where activities resume through June 20. The complete program is available here.

We are poised to take full advantage of the IAGTO North America Golf Tourism Convention, continuing to shape the future of golf tourism through strategic partnerships and innovative initiatives. Our commitment to excellence and passion for golf tourism ensure that we remain at the forefront of the industry, providing unparalleled experiences for golf travellers worldwide.