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.