It looks like it will be another record-breaking year for the Algarve’s golf industry. According to the region’s tourism association (ATA), the number of golf rounds played in the Algarve in 2017 has totalled 1,170,000 until October, a 4.6% increased on last year.
“We believe we are going to set a new record until the end of the year,” says ATA president Dora Coelho.
To do so, the region has to pass the 1.3 million mark before the end of the year.
“The exponential growth the Algarve has been registering since 2014 proves the efficiency of the promotion strategy we have been developing alongside the golf sector, which has shown a commendable sense of persistence and an ability to recover after some tough years,” Dora Coelho adds.
As ATA explains in a statement, the Algarve currently accounts for around 70% of all golf rounds played in Portugal, which was just recently named the ‘World’s Best Golf Destination’ at the World Golf Awards (click here).
The Algarve also came away a winner from the event, with Quinta do Lago-Sul being voted ‘Portugal’s Best Golf Course’ and Hilton Vilamoura As Cascatas Golf Resort & Spa ‘Portugal’s Best Golf Hotel’.
Golf has become one of the main reasons why foreigners choose the Algarve for a holiday.
“With over 40 courses spread throughout the region and with different characteristics, the Algarve boasts a set of unique conditions that allow it to position itself as the number one golf destination in Europe. Highlights include its quality infrastructure and great climate,” the association says.
But as Dora Coelho explains, “this success goes beyond playing golf on excellent courses. The weather, the quality of our hotels and the huge diversity of activities and complementary products that golfers have at their disposal play an important role”.
