All eyes will be on picturesque islands of Madeira this November when the Portuguese archipelago hosts the illustrious World Golf Awards and World Travel Awards in the same week.
Uniting leading industry figures from across the world, the showpiece event of the global golfing calendar will take place from November 21-22, culminating in a grand prize-giving evening at Savoy Palace from Savoy Signature.
One of the most exciting weeks in Madeira tourism will continue with the grand final of the World Travel Awards on November 24. Celebrating the very best of travel and tourism, nominees include bucket-list destinations as well as household names from the worlds of hotels, cruising, air travel and more.
Chris Frost, vice-president of the World Travel Awards and managing director of the World Golf Awards, said: “With stunning scenery, first-rate facilities and three world-class golf courses, there’s no doubt that Madeira is a dream location to stage both the World Golf Awards and the World Travel Awards this year.
“The quality of golf and hospitality that Madeira has to offer is a perfect example of the high standards that our nominees aspire to every year, and we can’t wait to welcome members of the industry from across the globe in November.”
Eduardo Jesus, regional secretary of Economy, Tourism and Culture and president of the Madeira Promotion Bureau, said: “We are extremely proud and honoured to be chosen as hosts of both the World Golf Awards and the World Travel Awards this year.
“Staging these prestigious events back-to-back is welcome challenge and a testament to the facilities and infrastructure that we have developed here in Madeira.”
Madeira and its three exceptional golf courses – Clube de Golf Santo da Serra, Palheiro Golf and Porto Santo Golfe are among the leading contenders for some of the top honours at the World Golf Awards, including the coveted ‘World’s Best Emerging Golf Destination’ accolade. For more details and to vote, go to worldgolfawards.com/award/world-best-emerging-golf-destination/2024.
Meanwhile, there could be a quartet of honours for prolific architect Robert Trent Jones’ 27-hole masterpiece, Clube de Golf Santo da Serra. Composed of three nine-hole loops with each offering a distinct challenge, the venue is aiming to be named the best golf course in Portugal and Europe, and is also in the running for ‘Europe’s Best Eco-Friendly Golf Facility’. The fourth hole on the Machico course, a signature 185-yard par three, could also be crowned ‘World’s Best Par-3 Hole’.
The Cabell B. Robinson-designed Palheiro Golf, which celebrated its 30th anniversary last year, is in contention for three awards: ‘Portugal’s Best Golf Course’, ‘Europe’s Best Golf Course’ and ‘Europe’s Best Golf Clubhouse’. High above sea level, Palheiro’s layout and clubhouse boast panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean that have earned it a reputation as a must-play.
Golfers only need to take a short ferry to reach Madeira’s third venue, Porto Santo Golfe. Designed by golf legend Seve Ballesteros, Porto Santo is a worthy contender for both the ‘Portugal’s Best Golf Course’ and ‘Europe’s Best Golf Course’ honours.
Madeira is known for its unique ecosystem and ideal year-round climate, which – along with its inimitable natural beauty and breathtaking ocean vistas - has been attracting golfers for decades. Visiting delegates at the World Golf Awards will have the opportunity to sample the archipelago’s acclaimed courses as part of an action-packed itinerary ahead of the prizegiving ceremony.
For visiting players, the best way to experience Madeira 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 €280 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.(subject to change)