IEC PRIMES MADEIRA FOR STRONG PERFORMANCEIN 2026
Representatives from one of the world's fastest-growing golf destinations are approaching this summer and autumn in buoyant mood following strong interest and full appointment diaries at last month’s IAGTO European Convention (IEC).
The clamour to discover more about the Portuguese archipelago and its diverse golf and lifestyle offering continues to increase with each year, with the islands’ tourist board – the Madeira Promotion Bureau – and golf partners meeting with delegates from all over Europe, Africa and the Gulf States when IEC 2026 was held in Malaga, Spain, from May 18-20.
The Madeira Promotion Bureau, representatives from Madeira’s three world-class golf venues – Palheiro Golf, Clube de Golf Santo da Serra and Porto Santo Golfe – and the Dreams Madeira Resorts, Spa & Marina hosted a combined total of more than 100 meetings across the three days of the annual trade show.
One of the main topics of discussion was Ponta do Pargo Golf – the eagerly anticipated 18-hole course designed by six-times Major winner Sir Nick Faldo which is set to open its doors in 2027 – as Madeira showcased its golf product, renowned gastronomy and array of cultural experiences to a combination of IAGTO member golf tour operators, golf tourism suppliers and service providers.
A spokesperson for the Madeira Promotion Bureau said: “We were delighted by the level of interest and engagement we received at this year’s IAGTO European Convention. Across the three days, our team and partners held a full schedule of meetings with tour operators and industry professionals from across the UK and Europe, highlighting the appeal of Madeira as a world-class golf destination.
“The continued growth in demand for golf in Madeira is extremely encouraging, particularly as we look ahead to the opening of Ponta do Pargo Golf in 2027, which will further strengthen our position as one of Europe’s most exciting golf destinations.”
Located approximately 1,000km from the European mainland – and just 500km from the African continent – Madeira enjoys an amazingly mild climate, ranging from 25°c in the summer to 17°c in the winter, with very mild average temperatures and moderate humidity, making it the perfect year-round location for a golf break.
The best way for travelling golfers to experience the idyllic islands is with the Madeira Golf Passport, which includes three rounds of golf at either Clube de Golf Santo da Serra or Palheiro Golf from just €310 per person. The passport – which includes free transfers between course and hotel – can be upgraded to include additional rounds and a day at Porto Santo Golfe, and getting to the Portuguese archipelago couldn’t be easier with an array of direct flights making the destination easily accessible for golfers from key international markets. Indeed, Madeira enjoys excellent air connections with major European cities and a direct flight to the United States, ensuring convenient year-round access for visitors from across the globe.
For more information on Madeira visit https://madeiraeverythingyouareinto.visitmadeira.com/