The World Golf Awards have been held since 2014 and “celebrate and reward excellence in golf tourism, world-class courses and golf destinations.” Votes are cast by professionals working within the golf industry and by the public.
Other nominations for this years World’s Best Golf Destination were Abu Dhabi, Argentina, Dominican Republic, New Zealand, South Africa, United States and Vietnam. The other Best European Golf Destination nominees were France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Spain, Turkey and Wales. Portugal beat them all at the 3 day awards ceremony held at La Manga Club in Murcia, Spain.
Portugal’s tourism authority, Turismo de Portugal celebrated winning what is considered the ‘Oscars’ of the golf industry and highlighted the investment that has been made in the country's golfing sector, commenting that “Portugal’s climate, culture, gastronomy, wines, beaches, history, variety of landscapes and hospitality are differentiating factors that make Portugal a top destination for golfing which is proved by the many prizes it has won over the years.”
National tourism boss Luís Araújo named the sport as one of the key reasons holidaymakers travel to Portugal outside of the summer months, and stressed the importance of golf to the country’s tourism sector.
There are 91 golf courses throughout Portugal, most of which are in the Algarve according to data provided by Turismo de Portugal. This makes property investment in Portugal a truly viable option for providing rental income throughout the year, not just through the Summer peak season like many other European countries.
