Portugal 'a world leader in golf tourism'

Portugal is one of the world's leading destinations in the market for golfing holidays, according to the Association of Independent Tour Operators.

A spokesman for the association said that one of the main advantages of Portugal for golf tourism is its number of courses and temperate climate.

He described the Algarve as "a particular favourite" and said that the area is home to one of the densest concentrations of high-quality golf courses in Europe.

"The area has developed an infrastructure to cater specifically for golfing enthusiasts – from dedicated staff handling golfing queries at hotels to shuttle bus services taking guests to courses," the Aito spokesman added.

Holidaymakers looking for a golf holiday that is more "off the beaten track" were advised to visit destinations such as Estoril and Sintra.

Portugal is home to nearly 70 high-quality golf courses, which have played host to some of Europe's top competitions. In 2007, the country won the International Association of Golf Tour Operators award.

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Investors attracted by Portugal tourism

The World Trade Organisation statistics show a 10% rise in visitor numbers to Portugal last year and it's expected that the levels will increase even further in 2008, according to a report from Homes Worldwide.

Commenting on this, the managing director of property firm Owner Invest, Mark Bingham said: "Portugal has proved to be an extremely popular tourist destination in recent years. The increase in visitors has been pivotal in the growing demands on the Portuguese property market."

Recently, the Portuguese government highlighted the need to develop both national and international tourism and implemented a strategic plan to improve the country's infrastructure and service levels. is evidence of a successful plan, which is good news for the country's economy and subsequently should continue to encourage property investors to Portugal, especially in popular areas such as the Algarve, Lisbon and the Silver Coast.

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Portugal tourism set to rise with new flights

More people are expected to fly to Portugal over the next year, easyJet has said.

The budget airline has predicted an increase in the number of people visiting the country as it announced the opening of a new flight route from Liverpool's John Lennon Airport to Lisbon.

Running four times per week, the route is expected to carry around 43,000 passengers in the coming year and will be the perfect option for those wanting both city breaks and longer holidays.

Fares will start at just £38.98 return to the capital city that Lonely Planet describes as culturally diverse and "laid-back".

Lisbon is the largest city in Portugal with tourist attractions including the Tagus River (Rio Tejo) in Belem and the Orient Station (Gare do Oriente).

Investors interested in finding properties in the country will also benefit from the new flights as there is a range of new developments being built within 30 minutes drive of the airport.

Flights will leave on Mondays, Wednesday, Fridays and Saturdays.

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October Event Aims to Attract Golf Tourists to Portugal

Tourism chiefs are hoping that the arrival of some of the top names in international golf to the Algarve this October will boost visitor numbers.

The Portugal Masters tournament in the pretty resort of Vilamoura will boost the Algarve's golf tourism growth strategy by turning the attention of golf fans towards the region.

With prize money totalling €3 million (£2 million) up for grabs, Portugal will be in an excellent position to push the Algarve as one of the world's best golfing destinations between October 18th and 21st when the contest takes place.

One of three new tournaments on the 2007 European Tour International Schedule, the inaugural Portugal Masters tournament will be held at the Victoria Clube de Golfe in Vilamoura on a course designed by Arnold Palmer.

The southern Algarve region of Portugal attracts thousands of golf tourists each year, attracted by the sunny climate, spectacular coastline and 29 courses.

Scotland on Sunday recently reported that officials from Kazakhstan are planning to visit golf courses throughout the country to examine ways of improving their own golf tourism offerings.

Border Castles

The frontier castles have stood since the birth of the Portuguese nation.

Listen to ancient stories of heroic deeds and glorious battles while discovering the remains of buildings that tell us so much about the country’s origins.

There’s so much to enjoy: from the castles of Alfaiates, Sortelha, Vilar Maior, Sabugal, Castelo Mendo, Castelo Bom, Castelo Rodrigo, Penamacor, Monsanto and Pinhel, to the fortress of Almeida. Most of them are classified as national monuments, going back to the 11th, 12th and 13th centuries and closely linked to the need to defend Portugal’s territory.

Almost since the beginning of its history, Portugal has had a pressing requirement to defend itself from attack by neighbouring Spain. Almeida is an interesting example not to be missed, with its fortress that was transformed into a mighty bastion of the border area.

Will Maddie Cause Tourism Slump?

21 May 2007

Officials in Portugal are concerned that the disappearance of a four-year-old British girl from a hotel in the Algarve will discourage visitors from heading to the country's top tourism centre.

The story has dominated front pages and had led newscasts in Britain since Madeleine McCann vanished from a resort in Praia da Luz two weeks ago after her parents left her, and her brother and sister both aged two, alone while they went to a nearby restaurant. Police continue to search for her.

British visitors account for nearly 40 percent of all overnight stays in the Algarve, a region of sandy beaches and white-washed houses.

Six days after Madeleine went missing on May 3 the government suspended an international ad campaign promoting the Algarve.

The ad campaign is part of a stepped up effort by the authorities to boost the image of the Algarve as more than just a beach destination as it strives to compete with growing competition from cheaper Mediterranean sunshine destinations like Tunisia and Turkey.

Economy Minister Manuel Pinho said at the time that it would be a "sensible move" to delay the ad campaign but he said he did not think the disappearance of the four-year-old would stop tourists from coming to the country.

"Portugal is one of the safest destinations in Europe and that image should remain that way," he said. But not everyone is as optimistic.

"People on a holiday want to relax"

"It can't be good, it has been days and days of the media talking about nothing but this," said the manager of a 40-room hotel in the former fishing village of Quarteira in central Algarve, who said he did not want to be identified so as to not link his establishment to the case.

"People on a holiday want to relax, some people might not feel like the Algarve is a place where they can do that after reading about this," he added.

At stake is a sector that employs 10 percent of all workers in Portugal, a nation of some 10.5 million people, and generates about eight percent of its gross domestic product, according to economy ministry figures.

Police on Tuesday announced that they had identified a 33-year-old British suspect but did not have enough evidence to charge him. Their investigation continues.

Adding to the concerns of tourism officials is the fact that Praia da Luz is located at the more rural — and quieter — western end of the Algarve which is especially popular with families.

Celebrities appeal for info

The case was drawn high profile attention in Britain. Former England soccer captain David Beckham and Manchester United striker Cristiano Ronaldo have made televised appeals for information while British author J.K. Rowling who penned the "Harry Potter" series has contributed to a reward fund for the safe return of the little girl that tops £2.5 million pounds.

"This kind of thing will always have some impact," said Jose Dias, an executive member of the Algarve Tourism Board which is charged with promoting the region.

Still, many British tourists who strolled the cobblestoned streets and filled the sandy beaches of Praia da Luz where the events have unfolded said they would not hesitate to return to the region.

"It is a sad situation but there have been cases like this in England too. We have enjoyed the weather and the atmosphere and would come back, sure," said Mark Clare as he walked along the town's palm-tree lined beachfront with his girlfriend Janet.

Two Golf Awards for Portugal

Portugal received two prestigious awards from the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO) at the International Golf Travel Market's 7th annual gala awards evening in Marbella, Spain.

Best European Golf Destination was awarded to the Lisbon Golf Coast

Best European Golf Resort was awarded to Praia D'el Rey, also on the Lisbon Golf Coast.

Lisbon Golf Coast incorporates Estoril and Sintra Golf Coast , Costa Azul Golfe and Oeste Golf and boasts 22 championship standard courses. According to the IAGTO, tourists to the region played, on average, three courses with 60% being frequent travellers and had played in the region before and more than half intended to return, with a staggering 99.8% of visitors recommending the region to play golf. Best European Golf Destination was previously awarded to the Lisbon Golf Coast in 2003 and also to the Algarve in 2006.

Praia D'El Rey Golf Course was designed by renowned American golf architect, Cabell B. Robinson, and is set in the sand dunes beside the Atlantic Ocean . This area has been a favourite with golfers for generations as the combination of challenging courses, mountain-top castles and elegant seaside resorts was favoured by European nobility.

The addition of the new five-star Marriot Golf and Beach Resort has provided a sophisticated and luxurious complex for holidays, weddings and conferences. Visitors can not only play golf on championship courses, but can explore the vibrant capital city, glamorous nightlife and beach activities.

Mr Jose Antonio Preto da Silva , Director at The Portuguese National Tourist Office comments;

“ We are delighted that the Lisbon Golf Coast has received these prestigious awards from IAGTO. Undoubtedly Portugal is well known for its golf courses and facilities and of course the beautiful climate, beaches and gastronomy.

When people think of golf in Portugal they may once have only thought of the Algarve , however the vibrant capital, Lisbon , is a gateway to some of Europe 's best golf. Also the glamorous areas of Sintra and Estoril, Óbidos and Sesimbra being only 30 minutes from the Portuguese capital, bring a new dimension to the term ‘golf coast' with its UNESCO heritage sites, vibrant city life and fine sandy beaches.

The second oldest golf club in Portugal is the Lisbon Sports Club, established in 1880 by British residents and since then the golf has only got better”.

For further information on Portugal and the Lisbon Golf Coast visit www.visitportugal.com

For further information about Praia D'El Rey Golf Course visit www.praia-del-rey.com