Silver Coast - Portugal hosts International Golf Meeting

These days Portugal is a top reference golf destination in Europe. The quality and diversity of their courses (many of them signed by names of world reference), the quality / price ratio, the know-how existing operating, and the climate and safety factors are competitive at the destination. “This is one conclusion of the first International Meeting of Golf, held in Praia d'El Rey Marriott Golf & Beach Resort at Obidos on days 5 and 6 of June.

The event, sponsored by the Tourism Agency of Portugal, also concluded that "it is essential that the supply of golf presents himself as a distinctive and integrated experience" and that for that to happen "are the various dimensions to be taken into account", namely " the landscape of exception, the design of the field as part of that leverage and a landscape of golf unforgettable experience, the icons of the distinctive environment, quality and customization of services available to golfers, quality and variety of supplementary provision, aimed primarily to their associates, knowledge of the market and promoting the destination, cooperation in the organization of supply, the media exposure - of fields (such as areas of unique experiences), the sport (as sport in harmony with nature) and international sport events (demonstrating the quality and reputation of the destination) ".

Moreover, it is intended that there are "increasing the number of Portuguese players," pointing to as "essential to ensure sustainable development of existing supply," so that "the municipalities, the sports structures, the golf courses and administration are required to find the best solutions for boosting domestic demand for golf. "

The chairman of the Portuguese Golf Federation, Manuel Agrellos, recalled that, while there are about 70 million golf players in the world, in Portugal there are only 20 thousand.

The chairman of the agency Tourism of Portugal, Luis Patrao, revealed that the country will have by 2010 a hundred golf courses, making Portugal a qualified destination for golf.

Also present at the meeting, Severiano Ballesteros, who was one of the best players in the world, praised the quality of golf courses in Portugal.

The Spanish ensured that he ended his long and brilliant career in professional golf, not even seeing the possibility of playing in the Senior Tour (for players over 50). He now dedicates himself to family and drawing golf courses.

European tour operators visit the Silver Coast, Portugal

On days 1, 2 and 3, of June, took place a professional visit to the Silver Coast and West region of Portugal, by 20 tour operators from several European countries, particularly Germany, United Kingdom, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Spain.

It was undertaken in cooperation with tour operator in Portugal DMC, one of the largest suppliers of customers for the western region.

At the choice of the DMC, the hotel Marriott Beach d 'El Rey, in Obidos, hosted large part of the event, where he held a workshop between "vendors / suppliers", also extended to companies in the area of Estoril and the Blue Coast.

Were also visited the Westin Hotel Campo Real and its golf course, the Quinta do Sanguinhal, where there was a wine tasting, Obidos and the bar Ibn Errik Rex, where he was sampled the ginja (cherry liquor) of Obidos, the Golden Eagle golf course, the Bom Sucesso golf course design, to open in September, the Laguna de Obidos and Cape Carvoeiro. There was still time for a golf tournament in Praia d'El Rey Golf Resort.

These promotional trips fall into the philosophy of bringing the Silver Coast, West Region to the eyes, ears and stomach of some of the top European tourism operators.

Urban Golf at Silver Coast – Portugal

Next Saturday, the lovers of golf will have another opportunity to test their dexterity in an environment very different from usual, on the Island of Baleal (Peniche, Silver Coast –Portugal).

The Urban Golf is based on traditional golf, but this is practiced in an urban setting and with some adjustments. The players exchanged the fields with a space under construction, a parking lot or a street. Creativity, irreverence, innovation are some of the concepts that make this sport a growing one in Portugal.

The intention to promote this practice is not to achieve the glamour of the sport, but to stimulate interest and promote the considerable increase of practitioners and followers of golf, especially young ones. The goal is also to put together a Portuguese team of excellence in order to promote the first European Cup.

The receipt of all stakeholders to participate in a maximum of 80, is made in the Surf Castle in Baleal, by 14:00, where are all available resources and all the information. The inscription has a cost of 20 euros and entitles the use of bat, all of 12 balls and tees, an entry to the concert of the Festival Flavours of the Sea (DapunkSportif and Blasted Mechanism), merchandising of the Festival, among other offerings.

International Horse Jumping Competition

This Thursday, May 29, 2008 begins the edition of the Vimeiro jumping competition, at the Horse Riding Center of the Golf Mar Hotel (Silver Coast-Portugal).

It is one of the 70 most important competitions of the international circuit, in a universe of 3700 competitions authorized by the International Equestrian Federation, named for the qualification of the Olympic Games of Beijing 2008 and the Championship of Europe 2009

The CSI of four stars and a Prize Money of 165 thousand Euros, the largest awarded so far in the Vimeiro jumping competition, are the big news of this year's edition.

The 2008 season, which has Margarida Pinto Correia and Luis Represas as special guests, includes a total of six competitions - four international, one national and the championship of Portugal - which is held between May 29^th and October 5^th.

The first CSI, the 4 star Vimeiro runs from May 29^th and June 1^st. The capacity of 260 horses is already filled, assuring largest and best-ever participation in the Vimeiro-jumping competitions. In addition to belonging to the Portuguese Equestrian Tour, this contest is qualifying for the Olympic Games in Beijing in 2008 and the Championship of Europe in 2009.

This circuit has its first edition in 2008, and it started with the CSIO 5 * of Lisbon, following after Vimeiro for CSI 4 * Ponte de Lima, CSI 4 * of Portimao and ends within a month, with the CSI 4 * of Vilamoura. This dynamic initiative surely puts Portugal as a prime destination of choice for horse riding in the international scene, favouring the Portuguese Tourism.

In this contest are represented 18 countries, among which stand out jocks Caytano Martinez de Irujo (ESP), Robert and Ellen Whitaker (ENG), Francois Mathy Jr. (BEL), Henk Van de Pol and Leon Thijssen (NED), Billu Twomey and Cameron Hanley (IRL), Pedro Andarade (Brazil) and the Portuguese Joao Chuva, Sabino Goncalves and three times national champ Marina Frutuoso de Melo.

One of the attractions of the combined jumps of Vimeiro Contests will be the "Kid Center”. With 700 m², animators and several activities, and teaching for all children who visit the Riding Centre these days.

1st International Meeting of Golf

The Tourism of Portugal promotes from the 5^th till the 6^th of June, in Obidos (Silver Coast –Portugal), the 1^st International Meeting of Golf - Portugal, a destination of competitive golf. At the meeting will be presented cases of national and international success in the design and management of golf courses and promoting the country as a competitive destination for the practice of the sport.

The meeting is aimed at entrepreneurs, investors, managers and other industry players of the golf course, between public and private entities, and with the attendance of Secretary of State for Tourism, Bernardo Trindade, President of Tourism of Portugal, Luis Patrao, the chairman of the Tourist Region of the West, Antonio Carneiro, President of the Portuguese Golf Federation, Manuel Agrellos, and the Deputy Minister of Environment, Spatial Planning and Regional Development, Maria da Graca Saraiva.

During two days, the Praia d'El Rey Marriott Golf & Beach Resort in Obidos, receives conferences of several personalities of reference of the sport, as Severiano Ballesteros.

The international meeting falls within the National Strategic Plan for Tourism (PENT) that defined golf as one of ten products which will increase the development of domestic tourism.

Golf at the Silver Coast

The detailed plan of the golf course, to be deployed on the land between Alfeizerao and S. Martinho do Porto as well as for a hotel near the picture perfect bay is already being prepared.

With a total of 16 holes, the green is planned for a land classified as agricultural reserve, but its construction is justified because it is "a project of great interest to the region" as guarantees the vice Mayor of Alcobaca, Carlos Bonifacio. Therefore the municipality wants to closely monitor the development detail plan, which responsibility of creation was delegated to the private group promoting the enterprise, through the private buildings council.

More tourists, generating more wealth and more jobs are the major advantages given to projects whose protocol between promoters and the local authority of Alcobaca should be signed soon. Political rivals PS and PSD together make for a majority in favour of an investment whose study of environmental impact, already completed and without any problems reported, still hasn’t convinced the CDU, which also criticizes the over-supply of such equipment.

Silver Coast is slowly becoming a force to reckon with in the golf tourism business.

Silver Coast to receive Golf mega-tournament

A mega-tournament of golf in the Silver Coast will be one of the events that will be part of a plan of international promotion of the west region with financing of the State, to the resemblance of what was already done in the Algarve.

The guarantee was given by Frederico Costa, administrator of Tourism of Portugal, in a first meeting had with the president of the RTO (West Tourism Region) about this plan. However, it is also predicted the achievement of an international golf meeting to take place in the region in June, with the presence of 20 foreign speakers.

The main goal of this initiative will be to encourage the tourists dislocated to the Silver Coast for certain events to stay longer in the region. "Anybody going to the Opera festival in Obidos can take advantage of the day or two in the region, and go eat a sweated lobster at Peniche and buy some cavacas in Caldas da Rainha, for example", explained Antonio Carneiro.

Luis Garcia (RTO vice-presidente) highlighted the way the Silver Coast region has becoming more and more successful; referring that magazine "Golf Weekly" did an article in its central pages about golf in Portugal, where the Silver Coast/ West region fields were referred.

In the last week of March, GolfeOeste has been participating in a marketing operation for tourism agencies in Germany.

Top 15 Reasons to invest in Silver Coast Property

The information below, reasons to invest in Silver Coast property, is focused on the economic considerations, future investments and infrastructure in the Silver Coast region of Portugal.

1. A Pricewaterhouse Coopers and a Place in the Sun report put the Silver Coast Portugal within the top three countries most likely to make you the most money in the next 10 years.
   
2. A report by the Strategic National Tourism Plan states that the tourism receipts will increase to 12 thousand million (12 billion) by 2015 and the report also concludes the Silver Coast will be one of the main growth areas.
   
3. Portugal and especially the Silver Coast have strict planning regulations that will ensure the low density of new developments and keep the supply and demand levels balanced.


4. Portugal is rapidly becoming centre stage for eco-investments within the Euro zone. And the Silver Coast is no exception with signs of renewable energy dotting the countryside.
   Investments into solar panel farms, wind turbines, wave turbines and eco-villages are attracting blue chip corporations and high net worth investors into the area.
   
5. According to Barclays bank the number of Irish and British citizens who plan to buy abroad will double in the next 5 years.
   
6. Until 2013 the EU plan to fund €8.8 million per day to improve the Portuguese economy and infrastructure.
   
7. Portugal can be seen as a low risk, established and safe investment environment.
   
8. Portugal has a long established tourism market and you will find close to 100% occupancy in the summer months in the most popular tourist spots, including Nazare, Sao Martinho do Porto, Foz do Arelho and Obidos.
   
9. Portugal, the UK and Ireland all adhere to the EU double taxation treaties allowing non-residential Portuguese property owners to avoid double taxation including capital gains tax and rental income tax.
   
10. The Portuguese banks encourage non-residents to take out a Portuguese mortgage and the process is relatively easy to obtain an 80% LTV interest only mortgage.
    
11. Terminal 2 at Lisbon airport was opened for business this year 2008 to increase the volume of low cost airline traffic to the capital.
    
12. A new TGV high speed rail link Lisbon to Madrid is planned for 2010 with completion by 2015. The TGV will reduce the journey from Lisbon to Madrid to 3 hours from currently 10 hours.
    
13. Two new modern state of the art shopping centres are to be built in Caldas da Rainha. One to be finished in spring 2008 and the other in spring 2009. One of these projects will be built be the Sonae Group. www.sonae.pt. They will consist of shops, supermarkets, cinemas and restaurants.
    
14. A Jurassic Theme Park is to be built in the town Lourinha with the construction to start in 2010 with the intention to attract more than 250,000 visitors a year.
    


15. Finally and most importantly 4 new 18 hole championship golf courses are currently under construction in the council's of Obidos and Caldas da Rainha. They are Royal Obidos, Falaesia del Rei, Rainha Golf and Bom Successo. All of these golf courses will include luxury villas and apartments plus 5 start hotels thus making the Silver coast area of Portugal a dominant force in the world of golf tourism.
    

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Vimeiro Matchplay 1808 - golf tournament

Golf Tournament scheduled to last eight months
In relation to the commemorations of the 200 years of the Battle of Vimeiro (1808-2008), the golf course of Vimeiro and the town council of Lourinhã are sponsoring the Vimeiro Matchplay 1808 golf tournament, which will have the projected duration of approximately eight months.

The reason behind the choice of this sport has to do with the own spirit of what was the Vimeiro Battle, where there will be a search, through 206 small "battles" (games between opponents), to determine a winner of the tournament, which end is scheduled for the 10th of August of 2008.

Next Saturday and Sunday, 26th and 27th of Janeiro, the first "battles" will be disputed, where the 96 potential opponents are going to initiate a journey that is lead them on to aspire the final victory.

"Such as in war, there are battles that are lost without that fact determining final defeat. That will be the Vimeiro Matchplay 1808 Golf Tournament way, where the loss of a confrontation does not mean the disillusion of not being able to conquer the big final day on the 10th of May", explains a press notice. Each competitor will be allowed to lose one of the games, being given a new opportunity of being able to turn out as the big winner in the end.

The organization has placed online a simple website ( http://www.vimeiromatchplay1808.com/ ) where one can be able to follow, step by step, the development of all that happens concerning this event.

Oeste - The Silver Coast Property Investment Guide

At the new MovePortugal Blog Spot would like to share our exceptional knowledge of the Silver Coast.

We plan to keep you updated with important news that will be helpful to potential buyers who want to invest in this wonderful area.
Coming soon we will be sharing hot of the press information with you like the construction of new shopping centres, golfing developments, Marinas and hotels.


For the newcomers to the OESTE region of Portugal or for those of you that have recently discovered the magic of the ‘Costa de Prata’ or better known as the Silver Coast we would like to start by introducing you to the key towns and villages in the area and the key facts about their locations.


Today we are concentrating on the coastline between Obidos Lagoon and Sao Martinho bay.

Areas to Invest
Serra do Bouro – Oeste - Capital Growth Investment
Key Facts :

Current square meter value: 1000 – 1200m2
Capital Growth Prospect: HIGH
Rental prospect: Currently LOW – MEDIUM
Location: Between two popular tourist destinations Foz do Arelho and Sao Martinho
Types of Views: Country
Local Amenities: Cafes, Restaurants
Tourist Attractions: Obidos Lagoon, Foz do Arelho and Sao Martinho Beaches
Map: http://mapas.sapo.pt/#M=39.45507,-9.18095,11
Future projects: 5 star Golf resort to be started in 2008 with 5 star hotels
Nearest major town: Caldas da Rainha
Distance from Lisbon: 45 minutes
Type of property to buy: Plots for construction, old buildings/villas for restoration

Our current Property Listings in this area:

• Plot for Sale - Silver Coast Serra do Bouro Sao Martinho do Porto Portugal



• Land for Sale - Silver Coast Serra do Bouro Sao Martinho do Porto Portugal



• Land for Sale - Silver Coast Serra do Bouro Portugal



• Plot for Sale - Silver Coast Serra do Bouro Portugal



• Villa for Sale - Silver Coast Serra do Bouro Portugal



• House for Sale - Silver Coast Serra do Bouro 4 bed detached house Portugal

Foz do Arelho / Nadadouro -Oeste – Capital Growth Investment & Rental Income
Key Facts :

Current square meter value: 1500-2000m2 (dependant on the views, quality of finish and age of property)
Capital Growth Prospect: MEDIUM
Rental Prospects: 90% occupancy for summer 2007 - HIGH
Location: Situated at the entrance of the famous Obidos Lagoon
Types of views: Lagoon, Sea, Beach and Country
Local Amenities: Beach Cafes, Restaurants, Mini Supermarket, Butchers, Hairdressers, Pharmacy, Night Club Tourist Attractions: Beach bars, Night Club ( http://www.discotecagreenhill.com/ ) Surfing ( http://escolasurfoz.com/ ), Kite Surfing, Wind Surfing, Hobby Cat ( http://escoladeveladalagoa.com/), Jet Ski
Map: http://mapas.sapo.pt/#M=39.43601,-9.21445,11
Future Projects: 5 star Golf resort to be started in 2008 with 5 star hotels, Nature walks and wooden bridges around and across the Obidos Lagoon
Nearest major town: Caldas da Rainha
Distance from Lisbon: 45 minutes
Type of property to buy: Villas, Plots for constructions and sea or lagoon view apartments and town houses.

Our current Property Listings in this area:

• Land for Sale - Silver Coast Foz do Arelho - oeste -Portugal



• Plot for Sale - Silver Coast Foz do Arelho Portugal



• Apartment for Sale - Silver Coast Foz do Arelho Portugal



• Property for Sale - Land Silver Coast Foz do Arelho Portugal



• Property for Sale Portugal - Silver Coast Foz do Arelho Portugal



• 5 year old Apartment for Sale - Silver Coast Foz do Arelho Portugal



• Property for Sale - Apartment Sea views Foz do Arelho Silver Coast Portugal



• House for Sale - Silver Coast Oeste Foz do Arelho Portugal



• Villa for Sale - Silver Coast Nadadouro Obidos Portugal



• Property for Sale - Silver Coast Atalaia Portugal



• House for Sale - Silver Coast Nadadouro Obidos villa 3 bed



• Rural Property for Sale Portugal - Silver Coast Nadadouro Obidos



• Villa for Sale - Silver Coast Nadadouro Foz do Arelho Portugal



• Plot for Sale - Silver Coast Foz do Arelho for construction



• Property for Sale Oeste - Silver Coast Nadadouro obidos lagoon Portugal



• Villa for Sale - Silver Coast Villa in Nadadouro Foz do Arelho



• Property for Restoration - Silver Coast Portugal



• Property for Sale - Silver Coast Portugal project approved



• Property for Sale - Silver Coast Villa Nadadouro Foz do Arelho



• Property for Sale Oeste - Silver Coast off-plan villas Foz do Arelho

Salir do Porto – Capital Growth & Rental income
Key Facts

Current square meter value: 1200-1500m2
Capital Growth Prospect: Medium-High
Rental Prospects: Medium
Location: Coastal town between São Martinho and Foz do Arelho
Type of views: Sea, beach and country
Local amenities: Cafés, Restaurants, Beach
Tourist attractions: Large sand dunes and nature trails
Map: http://mapas.sapo.pt/#M=39.49684,-9.1527,11
Future Projects: 5 star Golf resort to be started in 2008 with 5 star hotels
Nearest Major Town: Caldas da Rainha
Distance from Lisbon: 50 minutes
Type of property to buy: New villas, offplan villas, restoration projects, Land

Our current Property Listings in this area:

• Land for Sale - Silver Coast Salir do Porto - Oeste Portugal



• Property Off Plan - Silver Coast - Salir do Porto Portugal



• Property for Sale - off-plan Silver Coast Salir do Porto Portugal



• Business for Sale Portugal - Restaurant Salir do Porto Silver Coast



• Property for Sale Portugal - Off-plan investment in Salir do Porto Silver Coast Portugal

Silver Coast Investments - Obidos Lagoon

This is a brand new development of luxury town houses on the edge of the Obidos Lagoon.

The location of this silver coast development is on the southern side of the Obidos lagoon which also incorporates an 18 hole championship golf courses namely; Praia del Rey. Other golf courses are now under construction in the immediate area:- Bom Successo (completes in late 2009), Royal Obidos &Green Hill two new Oceanico golf courses and a second Praia del Rey 18 hole golf course.

This area has recently been dubbed as the Golden Triangle of the Silver Coast.

This is an excellent investment opportunity for Capital Growth and a good potential for rental income.