SeveralL tour operators are increasing their golf product in Portugal ahead of the World Golf Championships World Cup, taking place in the Algarve from November 15-20.
The Championships – the first to be hosted in Portugal – are expected to attract many UK visitors to Victoria Club de Golfe in Vilamoura. There will also be a global TV audience of millions.
Algarve Tourism hopes media coverage will have the same positive effect on visitor numbers to the country as the popular UEFA Euro 2004 event.
“Following the success of the football, Portugal has proven its ability to host large-scale events,” said Portuguese National Tourism executive vice-president Madalena Torres. “We will ensure the 2005 Algarve World Cup has the same influence on visitor numbers, both during and after the event.”
Classic Collection Holidays has introduced two hotels on the back of strong sales for golf with the recently opened Lake Resort and the Vila Gale Praia in the Algarve, new for summer 2006.
Meanwhile, Thomas Cook’s prime-time programme – aimed at the increasingly active over-50s market – includes new learn-to-play-golf packages, from £170 per person on top of the holiday price.
A week’s stay at either the four-star Hotel Garbe or the three-star Pestana Dom Joao Village includes two hours of professional golf coaching per day for four days, equipment hire, green fees and a gala dinner. Holiday prices start at £335 per person, including flights and half-board accommodation.
“The Algarve has some of the best golf courses in Europe,” said Thomas Cook product development manager Malcolm Barlow. “It’s cheap, easy to get to and the temperatures are pleasant all year round. The championships can only help raise the Algarve’s profile. We intend to add more capacity to our mainstream programme in 2007.”
Meanwhile, upmarket Portugal specialist Oceanico Resorts has added a range of golf packages for 2005/06 with prices from £157 per person including three nights’ accommodation and two rounds of golf, based on eight people sharing a four-bedroom townhouse in Vilamoura.
