Fresh from being named as the world’s number one trending destination for 2026 by top global travel website TripAdvisor, the Portuguese archipelago of Madeira will put its golf credentials on full display when the fourth edition of the IAGTO European Convention (IEC) is held in Spain this spring.

The idyllic island destination was the proud recipient of the coveted accolade at the recent TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards – reflecting 12 months of outstanding traveller reviews – and will look to further cement its reputation as one of golf’s most exciting up-and-coming golf destinations when IEC 2026 takes place in Malaga from May 18-20.

The islands’ tourist board, the Madeira Promotion Bureau, will have a dedicated stand and increased presence at this year’s show, with 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 joining its delegation.

In addition, representatives from 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, will also be present in Spain to showcase Madeira’s golf product, renowned gastronomy and array of cultural experiences.

Fast becoming one of the most important events in the global golf industry calendar, IEC has wasted no time in establishing itself as the most affordable, productive and enjoyable golf tourism trade event in Europe.

Open to IAGTO member golf tour operators, golf tourism suppliers, golf destinations and service providers from across Europe, Africa and the Gulf States, this year’s event is set to attract a record 900 delegates.

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 €290 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.

For more information on Madeira visit madeiraeverythingyouareinto.visitmadeira.com

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Information for journalists

About Madeira. Belongs to all

• Madeira. Belongs to all is the consumer-facing brand of the Madeira Promotion Bureau, which aims to promote Madeira as a tourist destination to consumers and the travel trade.
• Madeira, otherwise known as ‘the islands of eternal spring’, is just a short, three-and-a-half-hour flight from London. It covers 740km² and has a population of only 260,000. On the same latitude as Morocco, the Atlantic archipelago has a sub-tropical climate, a rich volcanic soil and a unique eco-system. It is one of the only places in the planet where banana trees grow next to vineyards.
• 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.
• In 1999, Madeira's indigenous forest, the Laurissilva, was declared a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site. The Madeira Natural Park is a protected area that covers around two-thirds of Madeira Island's territory, equivalent to 67 per cent of its surface.
• The Madeira Golf Passport costs €290 and offers three rounds of golf at either Clube de Golf do Santo da Serra or Palheiro Golf. Plus, the courses will supply free transfers to and from the hotel. Additional rounds, including a day at Porto Santo Golfe, can be included for an upcharge.

For high-resolution imagery, please visit tinyurl.com/mr39hpu8

For more information on Madeira visit madeiraeverythingyouareinto.visitmadeira.com