The idyllic island of Madeira has already turned its sights to 2024 after enjoying its busiest year ever at the International Golf Travel Market (IGTM), which took place in Lisbon last month.
Delegates from all over the world flocked to the Portuguese archipelago’s stand at the world’s biggest event for the golf travel industry to discover more about one of Europe’s fastest-growing golf destinations.
Madeira’s 13-strong team – consisting of representatives from the island’s tourist board, golf courses, hotels and the destination management company ‘Golf in Madeira’ – held 138 meetings over the course of the four-day event in the Portuguese capital, as well as speed networking with key tour operators and media.
In addition, the delegation hosted a private lunch for 30 tour operators one day to provide industry leaders with more information about the destination but, far from resting on its laurels, the Madeira Promotion Board is determined to build on its success and is already looking forward to next year, with IGTM set to return to Lisbon in October 2024.
The Madeira delegation exhibited under the Madeira Golf Passport trademark – the best way to experience the islands’ combination of golf, leisure and cultural experiences – with the group including representatives from the Madeira Promotion Bureau, the islands’ three golf courses (Clube de Golfe Santo da Serra, Palheiro Golf and Porto Santo Golfe), destination management company ‘Golf in Madeira’ and a number of hotel partners. The hotels being represented this year included Vila Baleira Funchal & Porto Santo, Orca Praia, Galo Resort Hotels, Melia Madeira Mare, PortoBay Hotels and Casa Velha do Palheiro.
Awarded the title of ‘World’s Leading Island Destination’ at the World Travel Awards for the last eight years in a row, Madeira is known for a year-round calendar of diverse cultural and sporting events. Located just 500km from the African continent, the island destination’s mild climate ranges from 25°c in the summer to 17°c in the winter, making it uniquely ideal for year-round golf breaks.
Growing numbers of European golfers eager to experience the many benefits of playing first-class golf in a safe and secure environment have flocked to Madeira in recent years, with the latest figures showing a 6.9 per cent in green-fee numbers compared to pre-Covid levels.
The best way to enjoy the island’s golf is with a Madeira Golf Passport which, providing holders with an unrivalled golf experience, is available to both individuals and groups and can be booked on a three or five-round basis.
For further information on Madeira, go to www.visitmadeira.com.