Visit Algarve

Golf, Friendship, and Competition Await at the 7th Tee Times Prestige Tournament

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The 7th Edition Tee Times Prestige Tournament is just around the corner, and excitement is with us! Let's get ready for great times ahead!The 7th Edition Tee Times Prestige Tournament is just around the corner, and excitement is with us! This year’s fully booked event will bring together 60 golfers for three unforgettable days of competition, fun, and friendship in the stunning Algarve from November 21st to 23rd.

What makes this tournament so unique? The competitors will play at some of Portugal’s most iconic golf courses: Laranjal, Monte Rei North, and Quinta do Lago North, all part of our golf breaks for the best Portugal golf holidays. Each course offers its own unique challenges and breathtaking views, making every round an adventure. The tournament kicks off at Laranjal on Thursday, followed by the beautiful Monte Rei on Friday, and finishing strong at Quinta do Lago North on Saturday. Whether you’re aiming for the win or just looking forward to some good-natured competition, these courses will surely test golfers’ skills.

But it’s not all about the golf. The Tee Times Prestige Tournament is also about the people. Golf has a way of bringing people together, and this event is the perfect opportunity to meet new friends and reconnect with old ones. From the Welcome Reception to the Prize Giving Dinner, Tee Times Golf Agency has planned everything to ensure players have a fantastic time on and off the course. Picture yourself enjoying some delicious tapas and drinks with fellow golfers at Chez Carlos Restaurant, swapping stories about your best shots (and maybe a few misses), and celebrating the joy of the game together.

Do you want to know more? We invite you to enter here to learn in detail about the 7th Edition Tee Times Prestige Tournament schedule.

Tee Times Golf Agency has been organizing top-notch golf experiences for over 30 years, and we are pulling out all the stops to make this year’s tournament truly unforgettable. It’s not just a competition—it’s a celebration of camaraderie and the love of the game. Let’s get ready for some incredible golf and great times ahead!

The Significant Impact of Golf on Portugal’s Economy

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A recent study conducted by EY Parthenon has shed light on the significant economic impact of golf on Portugal's economy.A recent study conducted by EY Parthenon for the Conselho Nacional da Indústria do Golfe (CNIG) and the Confederação do Turismo de Portugal (CTP) and referenced in an article by Rodolfo Alexandre Reis for O Jornal Económico, has shed light on the significant economic impact of golf on Portugal’s economy. Between 2019 and 2023, the direct and indirect contribution of the golf sector to the Portuguese economy increased by 57.4%, reaching a remarkable €4.2 billion in 2023. Most of this impact comes from the Algarve, which alone contributed €100 million of the total €120 million directly to Portugal’s GDP.

The report highlights how golf drives tourism, particularly in regions like the Algarve, where international visitors, especially from the UK, Sweden, and Germany, make up the bulk of golfers. British golfers, in particular, account for 46% of rounds played in the region. The recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic has been strong, with 2023 showing a 12% increase in rounds played compared to pre-pandemic levels, and further growth is expected with the introduction of new direct flights to Faro, such as those from United Airlines in the coming year.

The economic contribution of golf extends beyond the golf courses, impacting sectors such as hospitality, catering, and retail. The average golfer visiting Portugal stays for around seven nights and spends approximately €165 per day, further boosting the local economy. This resurgence highlights the importance of the golf industry not only for tourism but for the broader economic landscape of Portugal.

Tee Times Golf Agency Contribution

For over 30 years, Tee Times Golf Agency has contributed to the impact of golf on Portugal’s economy, promoting Portugal as a top golf destination. By offering the best golf packages and personalised service, we have helped countless golfers worldwide experience the beauty and challenge of Portugal’s renowned courses. Our long-standing commitment to sustainability aligns with the growing global emphasis on responsible travel, and we are proud to offer eco-friendly packages that prioritise environmental preservation while delivering exceptional golfing experiences.

Sustainability has become a core value at Tee Times. As the golf industry evolves, we have adapted our offerings to support environmentally conscious practices across our partner golf courses and resorts. By promoting green initiatives and working closely with local communities, we help ensure that golf tourism remains sustainable.

The findings of the EY Parthenon study underline the impact of golf on Portugal’s economy. Tee Times Golf Agency is proud to be a driving force in this thriving industry, offering unforgettable Portugal golf holidays while championing sustainability and excellence in service. Our mission remains clear as we look to the future: to continue providing world-class golf experiences that contribute to Portugal’s economic and environmental well-being.

Mercan Properties Invests €107.8 Million in New Hilton Hotels at Lagos Marina

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Mercan Properties has launched two major hotel projects at Lagos Marina, further strengthening Portugal's position as a top global tourism destination.According to an article by Elisabete Rodrigues for Sul Informação, Mercan Properties has launched two major hotel projects at Lagos Marina, further strengthening Portugal’s position as a top global tourism destination. At the ceremony marking the beginning of construction, Jordi Vilanova, President of Mercan Properties, announced the group’s commitment to enhancing tourism in the Algarve, with an investment of €107.8 million in two new hotels: the Lagos Marina Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton, and the Hilton Garden Inn Lagos.

The development will transform the area near Lagos’s old railway station, which will be preserved as part of the architectural plan. The five-star Lagos Marina Hotel will feature 180 rooms, including suites, and luxurious amenities such as infinity pools, a spa, and a rooftop bar. The Hilton Garden Inn, a four-star property, will offer 90 rooms and suites equipped with kitchenettes, catering to a more practical and versatile guest experience.

Lagos Marina developments

During the event, Hugo Pereira, Mayor of Lagos, emphasised that this investment would help drive year-round tourism, addressing seasonality by offering a variety of attractions beyond the traditional sun-and-beach appeal. Lagos aims to draw visitors interested in golf, water sports, cultural heritage, and more. The construction phase is expected to create around 150 jobs, while the full operation of the hotels will provide 188 permanent positions in the region.

This is one of many investments by Mercan Properties in the Algarve. The group has several other projects underway, including the Hard Rock Hotel Algarve and the Marriott Lagos, with a total regional investment of close to €400 million. Vilanova noted that Portugal has become an exciting new destination for American and Canadian tourists, offering a blend of history, culture, and leisure, further setting the country as a premier travel golf destination.

Hilton’s involvement in these projects underscores the growing importance of the Algarve as a luxury tourism hub, attracting high-profile international brands.

Tee Times Golf Agency fully supports these exciting developments at Lagos Marina, as they align with our mission to offer the best in luxury accommodations and exclusive packages. With these new Hilton hotels, we are able to continue providing top-tier options for our clients who seek unforgettable Portugal Golf Holidays. Tee Times remains committed to delivering exceptional experiences, combining world-class hotels and curated golf packages for those looking to explore the beauty and leisure of the Algarve.

Photos: Elisabete Rodrigues (Sul Informação).