Tee Times Showcases Portugal Golf at USA & Canada Travel Trade Marketplace

Tee Times Golf Agency recently participated in the Visit Portugal Travel Trade Marketplace USA & Canada 2024, held from October 22-23.Tee Times Golf Agency recently participated in the Visit Portugal Travel Trade Marketplace USA & Canada 2024, held from October 22-23 at the Grande Real Santa Eulália Hotel in Albufeira. Represented by Beatriz Costa, Sales & Marketing Executive, Tee Times experienced this exclusive event to connect with leading travel operators and agencies from the USA and Canada, highlighting our premier golf experiences in Portugal.

Organised by Turismo de Portugal in partnership with the Agência Regional de Promoção Turística do Algarve, the Visit Portugal Travel Trade Marketplace provided a privileged platform for Portuguese tourism companies to engage with North America’s most prominent travel professionals. This second edition welcomed 110 buyers—71 from the USA and 39 from Canada—who participated in 4,407 one-to-one meetings, averaging 55 meetings per company, demonstrating Portugal’s growing appeal as a tourism destination.

With over 30 years of industry expertise, Tee Times has become a pioneer in golf tourism. Founded by Carlos Ferreira, the agency was among the first to offer green fee bookings in Portugal, establishing itself as a trusted name in online tee time reservations. At the marketplace, we showcased why we stand out in golf tourism:

  • Pioneers in Green Fee Bookings: With decades of experience, Tee Times was an early innovator in green fee reservations and now offers a user-friendly online booking system.
  • 30+ Years of Industry Expertise: Tee Times has deep knowledge of the golf sector and strong partnerships with courses and hotels. It ensures top-tier experiences at competitive rates.
  • 100,000+ Golf Rounds Annually: Since 2022, the agency has successfully booked over 100,000 rounds of golf annually, underscoring its reliability and commitment to excellent service.

Interest from the USA and Canadian markets was evident, with participating companies showing significant enthusiasm for Portugal’s unique tourism offerings. The Visit Portugal Travel Trade Marketplace allowed Tee Times and other Portuguese companies to deepen connections, discuss new trends, and strengthen Portugal’s position as a world-class golf destination. This marketplace marked a significant step in bringing Portugal’s unparalleled golf and tourism experiences closer to North American audiences, furthering the country’s reputation as an exceptional destination for golf and leisure.

Legends Tour 2025: Season Starts in Spain with Marbella Legends at Aloha Golf Club

The Legends Tour 2025 calendar promises an exciting season with over 20 tournaments and a prize pool exceeding 20 million euros—an impressive 16% increase over last year. This boost in prize money reflects the tour’s dedication to celebrating senior professional golfers whose legendary performances have inspired new generations. The season kicks off in Spain with the Marbella Legends at Aloha Golf Club from February 14th to 16th, an event set to attract icons such as Miguel Ángel Jiménez, José María Olazábal, and Paul Lawrie, among others.

Aloha Golf Club, nestled in Nueva Andalucía close to Marbella on the Costa del Sol, is one of the jewels of the region’s Golf Valley, an area famous for its world-class courses. Designed by the legendary Spanish architect Javier Arana, Aloha was his final masterpiece, inaugurated in 1975. The 6,293-meter, par 72 parkland course is known for its challenging layout, combining four par 5s, ten par 4s, and four par 3s. Players face an array of demands holes, including precision off the tee, strategic approach shots, and stunning vistas of the Sierra La Concha and the Mediterranean.

Throughout its history, Aloha has hosted many top-tier tournaments, including the Andalucía Open, where renowned players like Lee Westwood and Thomas Levet secured memorable wins. The Andalucía Costa del Sol Open de España Femenino also took place here. Azahara Muñoz made history in 2016 as the first Spanish golfer to win the title on Spanish soil.

For those inspired by the Legends Tour and eager to experience Spain’s elite golf destinations, Tee Times Golf Agency offers premium packages, including exclusive access to Aloha Golf Club. Tee Times is committed to delivering unforgettable Spain golf holidays, crafting experiences with the ideal blend of golf’s heritage and relaxation, and ensuring a journey honouring the legendary Scottish game legacy.

Canary Islands: A Top Golf Destination with Unmatched Experiences and Growing Impact

The Federación Canaria de Golf has shared some exciting news in the latest report by IE University: last year, golf tourists spent over one billion euros across the islands! Golf has truly become a powerhouse for both economic growth and tourism in the region, attracting more and more visitors who choose the Canary Islands as their go-to golf destination.

According to the report, the Canary Islands now represent 18% of Spain’s total golf tourism spending, with local golf courses making up 12% of the national revenue. What’s even more impressive is that golf tourists spend an average of €4,189 per year—much more than regular tourists. This has helped boost longer stays, increased spending, and reduced the seasonal dips in tourism that many destinations experience.

Pablo Llinares, Managing Director of Gran Canaria Tourism, emphasised golf’s important role in the island’s tourism. He said, “The work being done by the Federación Canaria de Golf and the Real Federación Española de Golf proves that golf and tourism are a winning combination.” This collaboration has helped make the Canary Islands one of Spain’s top golf destinations.

Looking ahead, Gran Canaria will take centre stage as it hosts IAGTO’s third annual European Convention (IEC) from May 19-21, 2025. The event is already generating buzz, with 70% of the spots filled. Golf professionals worldwide will be heading to Gran Canaria, further showcasing the islands’ appeal.

Canary Islands: a Dream Destination

The Canary Islands, a dream destination for golf lovers, boasts 22 spectacular courses spread across their main islands. Tenerife offers standout courses such as Abama Golf, Golf Costa Adeje, Golf del Sur, Amarilla Golf, Golf Las Américas, Real Club de Golf de Tenerife, and Buenavista Golf. Gran Canaria offers Meloneras Golf, Maspalomas Golf, Salobre Golf (Old and New), Anfi Tauro Golf, El Cortijo Golf and Real Club de Golf de Las Palmas. In Lanzarote, you can enjoy Lanzarote Golf and Costa Teguise Golf. Fuerteventura features Fuerteventura Golf Club, Las Salinas Golf, Playitas Golf Club and Jandía Golf, and La Gomera is home to Tecina Golf. Each course provides a unique experience, with breathtaking landscapes ranging from ocean views to impressive volcanic mountains, making the Canary Islands a true paradise for golfers.

If you’re a golf lover looking to play in the Canary Islands, Tee Times Golf Agency has you covered. With over 30 years of experience, we offer exclusive packages that give you access to the best golf courses in the region. Whether the stunning views at Tenerife’s Abama Golf or the breathtaking greens at Gran Canaria’s Meloneras Golf, Tee Times ensures you’ll have an unforgettable golf holiday. From personalised service to unique golf experiences, it’s the perfect way to discover what makes the Canary Islands a golfer’s paradise.