Portugal Golf Breaks

Tee Times Prestige Tournament: A Celebration of Golf

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From November 21st to 23rd, the 7th Edition Tee Times Prestige Tournament took place in the golfing paradise of the Algarve, joining 60 players for three unforgettable days of fun, competition, and camaraderie. Organised by Tee Times Golf Agency, the event celebrated the very best of the game in Portugal, recently crowned (once again) the World’s Best Golf Destination at the 2024 World Golf Awards.

This year’s tournament took players to three of Portugal’s most iconic golf designs. The journey began at the stunning Laranjal Golf Course, where Hazel Brown secured the first-round win. Day two brought golfers to the breathtaking Monte Rei North Course, where Paul Longman emerged victorious. Finally, the event concluded at the prestigious Quinta do Lago North, with Pops Larkin taking top honours in the final round.

At the end of the three days (Stableford format), Stephen Sheppard claimed the title of overall champion, with Hazel Browne in second place and Paul Meehan in third. Special recognition went to Axel Bleymann for the best gross score (244 strokes), highlighting his remarkable consistency throughout the tournament.

Prestige Tournament: more than golf

But the Tee Times Prestige Tournament was about more than just great golf. It was a gathering of the joy and fellowship that the game brings. From the Welcome Reception to the Prize Giving Dinner at Chez Carlos Restaurant, the event was filled with moments to remember—whether sharing stories of triumphs on the greens or enjoying delicious tapas and drinks with fellow golfers.

Stephen Sheppard’s remarkable achievement was celebrated in style during the Prize Giving Dinner, where he received his awards from Jorge Diogo, Director of Sales & Marketing at Tee Times Golf Agency, Telma Santos, our Reservations Manager, and Ruben Martins, Director of 18Store Golf Rentals, one of the tournament’s sponsors. Their speeches emphasised the event’s importance and highlighted the collaborative spirit that made it a hit.

The Prestige Tournament success was made possible by the outstanding support of our sponsors:  Praia D’El Rey Marriott Golf & Beach Resort, Monte Rei Golf & Country Club, Quinta do Lago Golf Courses, Bela Colina Village and Boavista Golf & Spa, Salgados Golf Club, Espiche Golf, Morgado/Alamos Golf Course, 18 Store Golf Rentals, Dolce Campo Real Golf, Vidago Palace, Ombria Golf Course, Tivoli Marina Vilamoura, Quinta da Ria and Golfe do Montado.

As the Algarve once again proves why Portugal is the world’s top golf destination for unforgettable holidays, the Prestige Tournament is a shining example of everything the region offers. Are you looking forward to enjoying the best Portugal golf breaks? Get ready for more incredible golf in the Algarve with Tee Times Golf Agency!

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

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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.

The Significant Impact of Golf on Portugal’s Economy

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A recent study conducted by EY Parthenon has shed light on the significant economic impact of golf on Portugal's economy.A recent study conducted by EY Parthenon for the Conselho Nacional da Indústria do Golfe (CNIG) and the Confederação do Turismo de Portugal (CTP) and referenced in an article by Rodolfo Alexandre Reis for O Jornal Económico, has shed light on the significant economic impact of golf on Portugal’s economy. Between 2019 and 2023, the direct and indirect contribution of the golf sector to the Portuguese economy increased by 57.4%, reaching a remarkable €4.2 billion in 2023. Most of this impact comes from the Algarve, which alone contributed €100 million of the total €120 million directly to Portugal’s GDP.

The report highlights how golf drives tourism, particularly in regions like the Algarve, where international visitors, especially from the UK, Sweden, and Germany, make up the bulk of golfers. British golfers, in particular, account for 46% of rounds played in the region. The recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic has been strong, with 2023 showing a 12% increase in rounds played compared to pre-pandemic levels, and further growth is expected with the introduction of new direct flights to Faro, such as those from United Airlines in the coming year.

The economic contribution of golf extends beyond the golf courses, impacting sectors such as hospitality, catering, and retail. The average golfer visiting Portugal stays for around seven nights and spends approximately €165 per day, further boosting the local economy. This resurgence highlights the importance of the golf industry not only for tourism but for the broader economic landscape of Portugal.

Tee Times Golf Agency Contribution

For over 30 years, Tee Times Golf Agency has contributed to the impact of golf on Portugal’s economy, promoting Portugal as a top golf destination. By offering the best golf packages and personalised service, we have helped countless golfers worldwide experience the beauty and challenge of Portugal’s renowned courses. Our long-standing commitment to sustainability aligns with the growing global emphasis on responsible travel, and we are proud to offer eco-friendly packages that prioritise environmental preservation while delivering exceptional golfing experiences.

Sustainability has become a core value at Tee Times. As the golf industry evolves, we have adapted our offerings to support environmentally conscious practices across our partner golf courses and resorts. By promoting green initiatives and working closely with local communities, we help ensure that golf tourism remains sustainable.

The findings of the EY Parthenon study underline the impact of golf on Portugal’s economy. Tee Times Golf Agency is proud to be a driving force in this thriving industry, offering unforgettable Portugal golf holidays while championing sustainability and excellence in service. Our mission remains clear as we look to the future: to continue providing world-class golf experiences that contribute to Portugal’s economic and environmental well-being.