ALGARVE, Portugal – Oct. 30, 2004 – A highly regarded golfing destination, Portugal is a veritable Golfer's paradise. With over 60 golf courses throughout the country to suit every taste and ability, including 27 in the Algarve, 8 in Estoril and Sintra and 3 in Madeira, and with many more being developed, it is no surprise that Portugal is one of the most popular golf destinations in Europe.

Furthermore, with the new flight connections from Belfast, Leeds, Newcastle and London Stansted1 that are scheduled to commence in 2005, Portugal is now more accessible than ever before.

Known for the excellent quality of its courses, superb customer service and good value for money, Portugal also benefits from a beautiful warm climate which makes the country a year-round golfing destination. As such, The Portuguese National Tourism Board has successfully negotiated with the PGA European Tour who, on behalf of the International Federation of PGA Tours, has decided to bring the 2005 World Cup to Portugal.

The World Cup is now part of the World Golf Championships (WGC), consisting of the American Express Championship, NEC Invitational, Accenture Match Play Championship and the World Cup. The WGC were created in 1996 by golf's five leading professional tours, the European Tour, Japan Golf Tour, PGA TOUR, PGA Tour of Australasia and Southern Africa Tour, to develop a series new international events beginning in 1999 - the most important of which being the World Cup. The competitions are played across each of the six continents, gaining more than 60 hours of television coverage in more than 140 countries.

The success of Euro 2004 proved Portugal's ability to host large scale successful events. As such, Portugal is committed to capitalizing on this expertise by bringing a range of world - class-sporting events to the country, beginning with the World Cup in 2005.

Vilamoura Victoria Clube de Golfe will be the host sponsor of the event that will be held in the Algarve between 14 - 20 November 2005. A total of 24 nations, including the hosts, will participate in this prestigious event, with a minimum prize fund of $4,000,000.

Illustrating the importance of Golf Tourism to Portugal, the Portuguese National Tourism Board has embarked on a high profile promotional plan to be executed during 2005/2006 with the aim of increasing the awareness of Portugal as a key golfing destination and enhancing the exposure of the three European Tour Events that take place in Portugal each year, the Portuguese Open, the Senior's Open and the Ladies Open.

Partnered by the Algarve Tourist Office, Estoril Tourist Office, Algarve Land of Golf Promotional Bureau, Vilamoura Promotional Bureau and the ARADE Promotional Bureau the promotional activity will use television, and the press to target important European markets including Germany, Denmark, Spain, Finland, Sweden, Ireland, Norway, France, Holland and the UK.

The 2005 Algarve World Cup in Portugal, with the Portuguese National Tourism Board's two-year promotional plan, illustrates Portugal's commitment to Golf Tourism and the high level of investment to ensure that Portugal maintains its standard as a World-Class golfing destination.

For further press information contact:
Suzanne Seyghal
Tel: AM) 020 7201 6667 PM) 020 7202 6387 / 6371

Or

Helen Wilson
The Portuguese National Tourist Office, 11 Belgrave Square, London SW1X 8PP
Tel: +44 (0)20 7201 6667
Fax: +44 (0)20 7928 0722
Email: uk.pressoffice@iapmei.icep.pt