The stunning islands of Madeira were a leading presence at this year’s International Golf Travel Market (IGTM), promoting the destination’s full golf offering on a global stage.
Represented by all three of the archipelago’s golf courses – Palheiro Golf, Clube de Golf Santo da Serra and Porto Santo Golfe – as well as Golf in Madeira and the Madeira Promotion Bureau, the updated Madeira Golf Passport took centre stage at the second consecutive IGTM to be held in Lisbon.
Also in attendance was Hyatt Hotels, owner of the acclaimed new Dreams Resort, Spa and Marina, as well as the popular Vila Baleira Porto Santo and Melia Resorts.
In total, Madeira’s group took part in no fewer than 175 meetings with delegates from 36 countries – including the UK, US, France and Germany.
The Madeira Golf Passport offers visiting golfers the opportunity to experience all three of Madeira’s golf venues at one price: Cabell B. Robinson’s Palheiro Golf; Club de Golf Santo da Serra, designed by legendary architect Robert Trent Jones; and Seve Ballesteros’ Porto Santo Golfe on the island of Porto Santo.
Porto Santo is now included in the four-round Madeira Golf Passport and is accessible by ferry or plane; travel company Porto Santo Line were among the Madeiran delegation at IGTM.
Eduardo Jesus, regional secretary for Economy, Tourism and Cultura and president of the Madeira Promotion Bureau, said: “Madeira is extremely proud of its position in the world of golf and attending respected events like these continues to be so important to us.
“With three incredible golf courses – soon to become four – as well as the unique Madeira Golf Passport, we have so much to offer. It was great to be in Lisbon in such esteemed company and show the industry what golf in Madeira is about once again.”
The tourism board and all partners are now looking forward to their next event, which will be hosting the World Golf Awards in Funchal, Madeira’s capital city, this autumn. Madeira and all three of its courses are in the running for prestigious honours at the prize-giving ceremony on November 22.