Tee Times highlights Portugal and Spain in the IAGTO North America Golf Tourism Convention

Carlos Ferreira, CEO and founder of Tee Times Golf Agency, and Jorge Diogo, Director of Sales and Marketing, recently represented the agency at the 15th IAGTO North America Golf Tourism Convention (NAC) held from June 17-19, 2024, at the Mountain Grand Lodge & Spa in Boyne Falls, Northern Michigan. This prestigious event is a pivotal gathering for the golf tourism industry, bringing together prominent golf resorts, clubs, hotels, tourist boards, and other suppliers from the USA, Canada, Mexico, Latin America, the Caribbean, and beyond.

The IAGTO North America Golf Tourism Convention is known for its highly structured format, facilitating pre-scheduled meetings between suppliers and buyers over two days. This setup fosters meaningful business relationships and networking opportunities. The convention started with a golf tournament at two of Northern Michigan’s premier courses, followed by social functions, including a Welcome Reception and a Farewell Evening function. Delegates enjoyed buffet lunches and evening meetings, ensuring ample informal networking and discussion opportunities.

IAGTO North America Golf Tourism Convention opportunities

Carlos Ferreira and Jorge Diogo seized the opportunity to connect with top tour operators. They successfully showcased the exceptional experiences that Tee Times Golf Agency offers in Portugal, Spain, and other destinations. They effectively highlighted the luxurious golf holidays available through the agency, emphasising their wide range of golf packages, top-class courses, and comprehensive facilities. As an IAGTO member, Tee Times ensures a seamless booking experience and unparalleled golf trips, a testament to our proven track record.

 

Our agency specialises in providing tailored golf holiday packages that cater to every golf enthusiast, from solo players to professional groups. Whether it’s the sun-soaked courses of the Algarve and Costa del Sol, the vibrant streets of Lisbon and Madrid, or the serene landscapes of the Canary Islands, Tee Times ensures a golf trip that exceeds expectations.

During fantastic days, we made valuable business connections at the IAGTO North America Golf Tourism Convention, enjoyed the camaraderie, and shared our experiences with colleagues and friends. We had the opportunity to play golf, participate in the convention’s dinners and activities, and strengthen existing partnerships. This personal touch underscores Tee Times Golf Agency’s commitment to delivering exceptional golf tourism experiences and the warm, welcoming nature of the industry. Congratulations to the organizers. Thank you very much for receiving us and making us feel at home. See you next year!

Amendoeira Golf Resort: a premier destination in the Algarve

Amendoeira Golf Resort, a unique gem nestled in the heart of the Algarve, spans 270 hectares of lush natural beauty. This one-of-a-kind destination offers an array of amenities, including several swimming pools, two award-winning 18-hole golf courses, and Portugal’s only illuminated 9-hole golf course. Sports enthusiasts will be thrilled by the two synthetic turf 5-a-side football pitches, a FIFA-sized football pitch, six Savannah tennis courts, a fully equipped gym with modern Technogym machines, a jogging track, and a children’s playground.

The Clubhouse, a beacon of luxury and comfort, is the resort’s social hub, featuring a restaurant where guests indulge in delicious meals, snacks, and drinks. Additionally, the pro shop provides everything golfers need to enhance their game. Whether staying in an opulent apartment with access to multiple pools or a lavish villa with a private pool, visitors are guaranteed a comfortable and luxurious experience. The resort’s proximity to the beach, just a 10-minute drive away, further enhances its appeal as a perfect holiday destination or permanent residence.

Undoubtedly, Amendoeira Golf Resort stands as one of the most exclusive destinations, offering the best options for those seeking unparalleled Portugal golf breaks in the Algarve with Tee Times Golf Agency.

Faldo Course at Amendoeira Golf Resort

The Faldo Course, a masterpiece by the legendary Sir Nick Faldo, is a 6578m Par 72 championship course that beckons strategic play. This course, which clinched the title of Portugal’s Best Golf Course by World Golf Awards in 2016, is renowned for its dramatic landscape. It boasts unique elements such as cacti and wild herbs, spartan Holm oaks, ancient olive trees, and desert scrub bunkers of crushed limestone, offering a modern twist on traditional golf course design.

O’Connor Jnr. Course

The O’Connor Jnr. Course, designed by Christy O’Connor Jnr., complements the Faldo Course with its lush valley setting. Water features, including lakes and watercourses, challenge golfers of all levels. The course’s mature palm trees and rich topsoil create a serene, oasis-like environment. The course’s greater distance, water hazards, and large greens provide an additional challenge, requiring golfers to carefully read the subtly contoured putting surfaces.

Academy Course

The Academy Course, the only floodlit 9-hole course in Portugal, is ideal for beginners and those wishing to improve their short game. Built to the same high standards as the Faldo and O’Connor Jnr. courses, it features three teeing options for varied play. The 7th hole, with two teeing options over water, is a highlight. This course is a family favourite and must-play alongside its more challenging counterparts.

The Amendoeira Golf Academy

The Amendoeira Golf Academy takes pride in its tailored training programs for men, women, and juniors of all skill levels. With a maximum 5:1 student-to-teacher ratio, the academy ensures each student receives personalized instruction, utilizing high-tech tools like Trackman for swing analysis. The holistic approach includes mental efficiency, equipment evaluation, nutrition, and fitness. Each lesson concludes with a personalized CD/DVD comparing the original and improved swings, making every student feel valued and catered to.

Amendoeira Golf Resort is a sanctuary for golf enthusiasts and nature lovers, providing an unmatched experience in the stunning Algarve region for unforgettable Portugal golf holidays.

Photos by: Amendoeira Golf Resort.

Tee Times Golf Agency at the 15th IAGTO North America Golf Tourism Convention

Tee Times Golf Agency is set to take part in the 15th IAGTO North America Golf Tourism Convention (NAC), held at the Mountain Grand Lodge & Spa in Boyne Falls, Northern Michigan, from June 17-19, 2024. This prestigious event brings together key players in the golf tourism industry, including golf resorts, clubs, hotels, tourist boards, and other suppliers from the USA, Canada, Mexico, Latin America, the Caribbean, and beyond.

The NAC is renowned for its highly structured format, where suppliers and buyers engage in pre-scheduled meetings over two days, fostering meaningful business relationships and networking opportunities. This year’s convention starts with a golf tournament across two of Northern Michigan’s premier courses, followed by a series of social functions, including a Welcome Reception and Farewell Evening function. Delegates will also enjoy buffet lunches and evening drinks at the IAGTO Bar, ensuring ample informal networking and discussion opportunities.

Northern Michigan, known for its exceptional golf offerings, particularly with Boyne Golf’s ten courses and two resorts, provides an ideal backdrop for the event. The timing in June is perfect for experiencing the region’s golf courses at their peak condition.

Tee Times Golf Agency, a proud IAGTO member since its founding in 1997, has consistently driven forward the golf tourism industry with a special focus on Portugal and Spain. Our participation in the IAGTO North America Golf Tourism Convention is a testament to our unwavering commitment to fostering growth and innovation in golf tourism, instilling confidence in our partners and clients.

As one of Europe’s leading golf travel agencies, our team specialises in offering top-tier golf and tourism packages, providing exceptional vacation experiences in Portugal and Spain. Our curated packages cater to golf enthusiasts seeking the best courses and luxurious accommodations, ensuring memorable and seamless holidays. The agency’s deep industry knowledge and extensive network enable us to deliver personalised services that meet the highest quality and customer satisfaction standards.

IAGTO North America Golf Tourism Convention program

Attendees began arriving on Wednesday, June 12 and participated in Fam Tours programs until June 15. The event schedule includes a Dinner for Buyers’ Golf Day participants at Grand Traverse Resort on June 15, followed by the Buyers’ Golf Day and NAC Tournament player check-in on June 16.

The first official day, June 17, starts with breakfast at Everett’s Restaurant, followed by the NAC Golf Tournament with a shotgun start at Bay Harbor and The Highlands. The day concludes with a Welcome Reception on the lawns of Mountain Grand Lodge. Convention Day 1 on June 18 will be held at the Civic Center Foyer, where activities resume through June 20. The complete program is available here.

We are poised to take full advantage of the IAGTO North America Golf Tourism Convention, continuing to shape the future of golf tourism through strategic partnerships and innovative initiatives. Our commitment to excellence and passion for golf tourism ensure that we remain at the forefront of the industry, providing unparalleled experiences for golf travellers worldwide.