Visit Portugal

Algarve: Where Tourism and Sustainability Go Hand in Hand

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Portugal’s Algarve continues to shine as a top global destination, blending sustainability with world-class tourism and holding its crown as the best golf destination on the planet.

At the “Turismo do Algarve: Overcoming Challenges, Building the Future” conference—celebrating the 55th anniversary of the Algarve Tourism Board—President André Gomes made the region’s vision crystal clear: “Sustainability is a non-negotiable priority.” A perfect example of this commitment is the Save Water efficiency seal, which has already cut water consumption in tourism businesses by 12%. And that’s just the beginning! The initiative is now expanding to local accommodations, tourism activities, car rentals, and restaurants, ensuring that the region’s natural beauty stays intact for generations to come.

Despite global economic challenges, the Algarve is thriving. In 2024, the region welcomed a record-breaking 5.2 million tourists, with Faro Airport handling 9.8 million passengers. And 2025 looks even better, especially with the launch of transatlantic routes, including the first-ever direct flight from New York (Newark) to Faro with United Airlines.

Algarve golfing experience

One of Algarve’s biggest draws? Golf. Named the best golf destination in the world, the region boasts top-tier courses, breathtaking landscapes, and outstanding facilities, attracting golf lovers year-round. Whether the rolling greens of Quinta do Lago or the stunning cliffside fairways of Vale do Lobo, the region delivers an unforgettable golfing experience for all skill levels.

Leading the way in golf tourism is Tee Times Golf Holidays, a specialised travel company that curates tailor-made golf packages, combining world-class courses with luxury stays for the ultimate golf getaway.

As the Algarve keeps breaking records and setting new standards, it proves that sustainability and premium tourism can go hand in hand. Whether you’re a leisure traveller, a golf enthusiast, or someone who values eco-conscious destinations, the Algarve remains a must-visit gem on the global travel map.

Photo: Travel News.

Masters of Design: How Iconic Golf Course Architects Elevated Portugal’s Tourism

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Portugal is widely recognised as the best golf and tourism destination in the world. Its picturesque landscapes, mild climate, and challenging courses attract enthusiasts from across the globe. Central to this growing popularity is the influence of world-renowned golf course architects, whose creativity and vision have transformed the Portuguese golfing landscape, solidifying Portugal’s reputation as a global leader in golf tourism.

Legendary architects such as Robert Trent Jones Jr., Sir Henry Cotton, and Jack Nicklaus have left indelible marks on Portugal’s golf heritage. Robert Trent Jones Jr. was celebrated for his artistic integration of natural landscapes as the acclaimed Troia Golf Course. Situated south of Lisbon, Troia offers golfers the thrilling experience of seaside play, seamlessly weaving through dunes and pine forests, showcasing Jones’ philosophy of environmental harmony and aesthetic excellence.

Sir Henry Cotton, a three-time Open Champion turned visionary architect, profoundly impacted Portugal with his iconic Penina Hotel & Golf Resort in the Algarve. Opened in 1966, Penina was Portugal’s first 18-hole course, instantly elevating the country’s global golfing prestige. Cotton’s innovative layout provided a blueprint for subsequent course designs, blending classic British golfing traditions with the vibrant Mediterranean environment.

Golf Course Architects Influence

Jack Nicklaus, perhaps the most famous golfer-turned-architect, has significantly influenced Portugal’s reputation for luxurious and strategically challenging courses. The Monte Rei Golf & Country Club in Algarve epitomises Nicklaus’ meticulous approach, combining precision golf strategies with the region’s natural beauty. His signature designs have attracted significant international tournaments and discerning golfers seeking courses that balance difficulty and elegance.

More recently, golf course architects like Rocky Roquemore and Arthur Hills have further enriched Portugal’s golfing scene. Their designs emphasise sustainability and environmental stewardship, ensuring courses such as Quinta da Marinha near Cascais and Oitavos Dunes provide challenging play while preserving the surrounding ecological habitats. New designers in Portugal include Sergio Garcia, who developed Torre at Terra das Comporta, and Ernie Els, the creative mind behind The Els Club Vilamoura.

Tee Times Golf Holidays have further enhanced Portugal’s golf tourism by offering comprehensive golf packages that combine play at premier courses with accommodations and personalised services. These packages allow golf players to enjoy Portugal’s best golfing experiences tailored to their preferences and needs to enjoy their holidays.

The legacy of these architects has undeniably positioned Portugal at the forefront of global golf tourism. Their collective contribution continues to shape Portugal’s golfing identity, drawing visitors eager to experience the country’s unique blend of innovation, natural splendour, and rich golfing.

Game Changer at Old Course Vilamoura: Trackman Technology Hits the Algarve

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When it comes to golf holidays, few places match the charm and innovation you’ll find at the Old Course Vilamoura, one of Tee Times‘ standout destinations. Always popular among golfers visiting Portugal, this legendary Algarve course just got even better thanks to its exciting new partnership with Trackman, the global leader in ball-tracking technology.

Here’s the deal: Old Course Vilamoura is now officially the first course in the Algarve to roll out Trackman’s state-of-the-art tech, changing the way you practice, play, and even compete. Whether you’re working on your swing at the driving range (the largest in Portugal, by the way, with 20 spacious bays) or virtually teeing off from iconic holes using advanced golf simulators, Trackman has you covered.

This innovative partnership, guided by DETAILS (the team behind some of Portugal’s coolest hospitality and sports venues), means golfers get precision feedback on every swing—rain or shine, day or night. The best part? It’s totally free for all guests. Add to that personalised service, welcome gifts, and refreshing snacks throughout the round, and you’ve got a golfing experience that’s genuinely next-level.

Cutting edge at Old Course Vilamoura

Nuno Sepulveda, Co-CEO at DETAILS, sums it up perfectly: “We’re always looking to push the boundaries and keep Vilamoura at the cutting edge of golf. With Trackman, we’re offering golfers the chance to have fun, sharpen their game, and experience our courses virtually from anywhere in the world.”

This fabulous tech addition is just one highlight of Old Course Vilamoura’s impressive recent makeover, including a stylish new clubhouse that blends modern luxury with classic Algarve charm. Sustainability has also been front and centre, with eco-friendly irrigation systems, drought-tolerant grass varieties, energy-efficient Hydropresser stations, and electric-powered equipment reducing the environmental impact.

Ready to hit the greens? Tee Times Golf Holidays invites you to experience the upgraded Old Course Vilamoura firsthand—where technology meets tradition and sustainability meets superb service. Pack your clubs, bring your friends, and prepare for a golf holiday with the best packages that set a new standard for fun, innovation, and unforgettable memories in the Algarve.

Photo: My Golf Way.