Tee Times

Spain’s Tourism Surge in Q1 2025

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Spain’s tourism industry has kicked off 2025 with a record-setting first quarter, and Golf holidays in the Costa del Sol are poised to reap the rewards. According to the National Statistics Institute (INE), over 17.1 million international tourists visited Spain between January and March 2025, a 5.7% year-on-year increase. Total tourism spend for Q1 soared to €23.5 billion, with March alone contributing over €9.1 billion.

Crucially for the golf travel market, average spending per visitor hit €1,382, while daily expenditure climbed to €188, signalling the rise of a more affluent, experience-driven tourist base. The UK remains Spain’s top source market, with over 3.1 million visitors, followed by France, Germany, and a notable 11% increase from the United States.

Explore our Costa del Sol Golf Holidays as well as our Car Hire and Transfer services for a seamless Costa del Sol golf experience.

Costa del Sol: Luxury, Leisure, and Golf Combine

Already famed for its 70+ golf courses, sunny climate, and coastal glamour, the Costa del Sol has emerged as one of the main beneficiaries of Spain’s Q1 tourism boom. Regions like Marbella, Estepona, and Benahavís are welcoming waves of high-spending visitors, many combining rounds of golf with luxury stays, fine dining, and beachfront leisure.

Golf resorts such as Los Flamingos, La Quinta, and Finca Cortesin are seeing increased interest, not just from players, but also from international travellers exploring golf-and-stay experiences and second-home opportunities. The sharp rise in short-term rentals, especially near golf courses, further reflects the segment’s growing appeal.

From Tee Time to Property Investment

Spain’s shift toward year-round quality tourism is creating a unique window for both holidaymakers and real estate investors. Many golf resorts now cater to dual-purpose travellers, those who arrive for sport and leave considering a long-term foothold.

Luxury communities such as Cabo Bermejo, Torre Bermeja, and areas along the New Golden Mile are seeing upticks in rental demand and property viewings, thanks to the region’s reputation for wellness, security, and recreational lifestyle.

Golf Holidays and Off-Season Travel

Spain’s government continues to promote seasonal diversification and regional tourism, which bodes well for golf-centric destinations. Unlike sun-and-beach travel, golf tourism thrives outside the peak summer months, offering visitors mild temperatures, quieter greens, and lower rates during spring and autumn.

This aligns perfectly with the preferences of UK-based golf travellers, many of whom seek flexible tee time bookings, scenic coastal courses, and an escape from northern Europe’s colder months.

Outlook for 2025 and Beyond

With Spain maintaining strong momentum in infrastructure, visa policy, and destination marketing, the Costa del Sol golf holiday sector is set for further growth. As premium beachfront and golf-side inventory tightens, those booking early, or investing now, are well positioned to capitalise on rising demand.

For golfers seeking a mix of lifestyle, sport, and sun-drenched scenery, Spain’s 2025 tourism boom isn’t just a headline, it’s a golden opportunity.

Portugal’s First Fairmont Golf Resort

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Fairmont Victoria Golf Resort Portugal: Vilamoura’s Golf Flagship Reinvented

A new chapter is underway for one of Vilamoura’s crown jewels. The Victoria Golf Resort & Spa, long admired for its location beside the iconic Victoria Golf Course, soon to be renamed the Els Club Vilamoura, is being reimagined as the first Fairmont-branded hotel in Portugal.

As of 30 April 2025, global hospitality group Accor assumed management of the 260-room property, marking the beginning of a bold transformation. With a full renovation now in motion, the resort will soon join the prestigious Fairmont Hotels & Resorts portfolio, known globally for delivering refined luxury rooted in local culture. For golf travellers with an eye for comfort, consistency, and course access, this is a story worth following closely.

The property already features four restaurants, four bars, multiple outdoor pools, a gym, and a spa with six treatment rooms. Every room and suite includes a private balcony, and its expansive conference centre can host up to 700 guests, making it ideal not only for leisure breaks, but for high-end events, golf retreats, and society travel. As the resort undergoes its transformation, these features are being enhanced under Accor’s direction, with the Fairmont rebranding expected to complete in 2026.

But what truly sets this hotel apart is its proximity to the Els Club Vilamoura, formerly the Victoria Course and host of the Portugal Masters. Now a private members-only course designed by Ernie Els, it offers guests the rare opportunity to play one of the Algarve’s most prestigious layouts, steps from their room.

This development is more than cosmetic. It signals Vilamoura’s continued rise as the beating heart of luxury golf in Portugal. Already a mainstay in Algarve golf holidays, Vilamoura is being redefined, less as a sun-and-golf stopover, and more as a complete lifestyle destination. The arrival of the Fairmont brand only reinforces this trajectory.

According to Fairmont CEO Omer Acar, the company is “thrilled” to debut in Portugal through this flagship project, calling Vilamoura “one of the country’s most exciting and sought-after destinations.” The sentiment is echoed by property owner Arrow Global Group, whose long-term strategy is to create a multi-layered leisure, sports, and hospitality hub in Vilamoura. The result is a destination that blends international standards with authentic local experiences.

Guests won’t just be drawn to the greens. Beyond the fairways, the Algarve offers hiking along the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail, oyster tastings in the Ria Formosa, and day trips to the market town of Loulé, all easily reached from the resort. And with Faro Airport just 30 minutes away, access remains effortless.

For those planning golf holidays in Portugal for late 2025 or 2026, the Fairmont Victoria Golf Resort Portugal is poised to become a flagship experience: high-spec, well-located, and rooted in the best of Algarve golf.

Explore our full range of Vilamoura golf holiday packages

Tee Times Present at IAGTO European Convention: Connecting, Growing, Evolving

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The IAGTO European Convention (IEC) is back. From May 19 to 21, the spotlight will shine on Gran Canaria, and the golf travel community will come together again. With more than 30 years delivering top-tier golf experiences in Portugal, Spain, and other destinations, Tee Times Golf Holidays is proud to be part of this essential industry event as an IAGTO member.

This year’s IEC will be held at ExpoMeloneras — a world-class venue in the heart of Gran Canaria’s hospitality district.

For us, the IEC is much more than just a business convention. It’s a place to reconnect with long-time friends, strengthen trusted partnerships, and explore fresh opportunities. Carlos Ferreira, Founder & CEO, said: “IEC isn’t just a schedule full of meetings — it’s a chance to reconnect with partners who’ve been part of our journey for years. In this industry, relationships matter, and meeting face-to-face helps keep that trust strong.”

From Algarve to the World

Over three decades, Tee Times has grown from a local expert in the Algarve into a leading DMC serving golfers across Europe and other destinations. Our secret? A deep love for the game, personalised attention, and a constant drive to innovate, offering the best golf package for unforgettable golf holidays.

“Being at IEC is essential for us,” Ferreira adds. “It’s about reinforcing what we’ve built and staying open to new opportunities as a DMC — finding fresh connections with suppliers and buyers who share our passion for golf and quality service.”

Jorge Diogo, our Director of Sales & Marketing, agrees: “There’s nothing quite like a real conversation. Events like this let you connect with long-time partners and discover new opportunities.” And he continues: “We’re excited to be part of the IAGTO European Convention because it’s the perfect stage to show what we do at Tee Times. Meeting new buyers and suppliers helps us stay ahead and improve the experience we offer golf travellers.”

We look forward to another memorable edition of the IAGTO European Convention and continuing our mission of bringing golfers closer to the best courses, cultures, and connections across Portugal, Spain and some of the best world golf destinations.