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

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

Powering progress: Club de Golf El Bosque’s solar investment drives change

The commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility is a growing trend among businesses worldwide, and the Club de Golf El Bosque in Valencia, Spain, is no exception. Recently, the club made a significant investment in renewable energy by installing a photovoltaic plant covering 629 square meters of their parking area. This initiative is poised to cover 25% of the club’s electricity demand, marking a substantial step towards reducing their carbon footprint.

Club de Golf El Bosque’s innovative photovoltaic installation, featuring 224 solar panels atop parking lot canopies, is a testament to its commitment to sustainability. With a capacity of 123 kW, this installation is projected to prevent the emission of 1,184 tons of CO2 over the next 25 years, making a significant contribution to environmental preservation.

During the past winter, the club took advantage of the offseason to integrate canopies over 60 parking spaces, housing the solar panels to generate a quarter of the club’s electricity needs. This move underscores the club’s commitment to implementing sustainable practices and enhancements.

Club de Golf El Bosque’s solar investment

The investment, totalling €180,000, encompasses not only the installation of the canopies and solar panels but also the electrification of six parking spaces and the expansion of an additional 50 parking spots. This comprehensive approach reflects the club’s dedication to environmental stewardship and improved infrastructure for its members and visitors.

Club de Golf El Bosque’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond its current initiatives. In its 2024 investment plan, the club aims to establish a coworking area within the social club and refurbish equipment for fire prevention in designated areas. These future endeavours are designed to elevate the club’s service standards while fostering a more sustainable and eco-friendly approach to facility management.

Located in Valencia and inaugurated in 1975, Club de Golf El Bosque stands as a testament to the architectural prowess of Robert Trent Jones Sr., renowned for designing some of the world’s premier golf courses. Situated amidst a landscape characterized by a deep ravine, the course’s undulating profile offers an engaging array of holes, blending natural topography with strategic design elements.

Spanning a total of 6,249 meters with a par of 72, the course’s 18 holes cater to golfers of all skill levels, embodying Jones’ vision of inclusivity and enjoyment for seasoned players and novices alike. This versatility has earned Club de Golf El Bosque the distinction of hosting prestigious international championships, including the Open El Bosque (Volvo Tour), the Open Mediterránea, the PGA Senior European Tour, and the Copa de Su Majestad La Reina.

Club de Golf El Bosque’s investment in solar energy underscores its commitment to sustainability while further solidifying its position as a premier destination for golf enthusiasts, particularly those seeking the best Spain golf holiday experience through Tee Times Golf Agency.

The World Golf Awards: celebrating excellence in golf tourism

Established in 2014, the World Golf Awards have become synonymous with excellence in golf tourism, highlighting the industry’s finest courses, destinations, and tour operators. Each year, the event brings together leading names from the golfing world, VIPs, and figureheads from the golf tourism sector to celebrate the best of the best.

The 11th annual World Golf Awards, a truly exclusive event, is set to take place on 21-22 November 2024. This year, it ventures to the beautiful islands of Madeira for the first time, promising a unique experience. Hosted at the luxurious Savoy Palace from Savoy Signature in Funchal, the ceremony will unveil an exclusive golfing itinerary, including rounds at the esteemed Santo da Serra and Palheiro courses.

Tee Times Golf Agency was named Portugal’s Best Inbound Golf Tour Operator in 2020 and 2021 and Portugal’s Best Outbound Golf Tour Operator in 2022. This recognition is particularly significant given Portugal’s status as a premier golfing destination, having been named the World’s Best Golf Destination numerous times.

World Golf Awards: shaping the future

The World Golf Awards are not just about celebration; they are about shaping the future of the golf tourism industry. These awards are pivotal in driving standards by acknowledging world-class courses, destinations, and organizations that set the standard for quality and innovation. The voting process begins at the start of each year. It involves professionals from the golf travel and tourism sector, including senior executives, tour operators, agents, media specialists, and golf tourism consumers.

As part of the renowned World Travel Awards, which celebrates its 30th anniversary, the World Golf Awards play a crucial role in driving up standards within the golf tourism industry by recognizing leaders in their respective fields. With global media partners such as Destination Golf, TV5Monde, Bloomberg, and CNBC, the World Golf Awards reach a vast audience of golf enthusiasts worldwide, cementing its status as the premier accolade in golf tourism.

As Tee Times Golf Agency is one of the candidates for Best Tour Operator in Europe 2024 (you can vote here), the World Golf Awards continue to spotlight the best in the business, inspiring excellence and innovation across the golf tourism industry.

For more information about the World Golf Awards, visit worldgolfawards.com.