The figures released show that the golf sector in the region grew by 4.9 percent last year compared to 2010, which places the Algarve at the top of the European destinations to play the sport.
“The courses hadn’t achieved such positive results since 2008, despite the fluctuating pound sterling and the current financial crisis not helping to allow for greater growth. The one million rounds of golf though attest to the region’s hard work in this market,” said António Pina, President of the Algarve Tourism Association.
The UK continues to be the main country from which golfers travel to play in the Algarve, followed by Germany, Scandinavian countries, Ireland and Holland, which feed the industry during a season when hotel occupancy tends to be low.
On a monthly basis, the greatest increases were seen in March, April and October, the peak season for golf.
Mr. Pina considers the increase in golfers last year compared to 2010 to be directly linked “to the hard work of promoters from the entity that is responsible for promoting golfing tourism in the region.”
There are currently 40 golf courses in the Algarve, 32 with 18 holes and eight with nine holes, designed by some of the most renowned and internationally award winning golfers.
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