Vilamoura announces landmark PGA Tour Champions event in 2026 sporting calendar at FITUR Madrid
Madrid, Spain, Wednesday 28 January 2026 – John Calvão, Fund Principal at Arrow Global, Isolete Correia, Vilamoura’s CEO and the Algarve Tourism Board announced at FITUR (International Tourism Trade Fair) in Madrid further details surrounding the addition of a PGA Tour Champions event to its 2026 sporting calendar, marking a major step forward in Portugal’s capability to host elite international sporting events.
Information on the respective events was presented at one of the world’s flagship tourism trade fairs, which is held annually in Madrid, bringing together global destinations, tourism boards, investors and industry leaders from across the travel, sport and hospitality sectors.
The Portugal Invitational will be held at the Els Club Vilamoura, which opened in July as the first and only private members club in the Algarve, and will make history as the first ever PGA Tour Champions event hosted in Europe on a five-year deal (2026-2030).
With a prize purse of $3,000,000, 78 players will tee off in a 54-hole stroke play event from 27 July – 2 August, 2026, including a Pro-Am designed to provide fans with the unique opportunity for personal access to Hall of Fame golfers such as Bernard Langer and Padraig Harrington.
André Gomes, President of Tourism of Algarve, said: “The confirmation of the Portugal Invitational reinforces the capacity of the Algarve and Vilamoura to host elite sporting events with strong international projection and a meaningful impact on the destination’s visibility.
“These competitions enhance strategic assets such as golf as a complementary product, contributing to audience diversification and to the year-round activation of the destination, in line with the strategy to consolidate the Algarve as a competitive destination.”
John Calvão, Fund Principal at Arrow Global confirmed: “We are transforming Vilamoura into a destination of excellence for major international sporting events, creating the conditions that position it not just as a venue, but as a complete, high-quality experience.
“By bringing together real estate, hospitality, elite sports infrastructure and a distinctive leisure offering, we have turned Vilamoura into a full-year destination and a reference at an international level. None of this would be possible without the consistent support and close collaboration of the Portuguese Tourism Board and the Algarve Tourism Board.”
The increased elite international sporting presence within Portugal looks to build on the strong platform and demand already set; golf has long since been a significant part of the Portuguese tourism economy, with the industry responsible for more than €4.2 billion, supporting over 110,000 jobs.
Totalling 91 courses across the nation and a combined 1,467 holes, Portugal has recently been named World’s Best Golf Destination at the World Golf Awards, and golf rounds bookings have been increasing year after year, with an all-time high of 2.17 million having been registered in 2024.
Within this, the Algarve plays an influential role, attracting 62% of the international rounds played, well-established as the nations leading region, due to its 300 days of sun allowing for multiple peak times between March and April, and September and November.
The regions 200km of sandy beaches and renowned culinary specialities, along with a rich culture and heritage, and plethora of alternative sports and leisure options contribute to the fact that 73% of the resort’s guests are international.
At the heart of the Algarve’s golden triangle lies Vilamoura, Europe’s largest resort, which includes championship golf courses, two award-winning Marina’s, one of which is the largest in the country, as well as further state-of-the art sports & leisure assets.
Vilamoura’s partnership with the Algarve Tourism Board adds a further dimension to the destination’s transformation that is taking place.
In a similar fashion, the Portugal Invitational places Vilamoura at the centre of the European golfing landscape, setting a new benchmark and bringing together industry leaders, top international brands, and expansive media exposure, tapping into new global markets through the tour’s extensive television coverage.
With this, Arrow Global, through its investment in Vilamoura and its management company DETAILS, is driving a long-term strategy to elevate the destination as a year-round sports and lifestyle hub. In addition to hosting international events, investments span key assets including the marina, extensive golf course revitalisations such as the historic Old Course, and the attraction of leading international brands as Hyatt Regency, reinforcing Vilamoura’s global appeal. This event and development form part of a broader vision to create a vibrant, sustainable destination that thrives 365 days a year, blending world-class sport, leisure and lifestyle experiences.
Through the introduction of this event, another dimension is being added to what is one of the biggest ongoing sports projects in the world, showcasing Portugal as a nation that is ready and capable of hosting the most important international sporting events on the world stage.
PRESS RELEASE C/O WE ARE 54
