Well, greetings from warm and sunny Spain. As we reach the end of 2020 it is time to take stock and reflect on what has been a tough time on many levels. Seeing an entire industry brought to its knees by a microscopic virus does focus the mind. So many families are struggling in a region with little else in terms of wealth creation other than tourism.
However, in the last short few weeks since the good news regarding vaccines clients have already started anticipating and planning ahead for 2021 which could turn out to be a bumper year as there is much pent up demand. January is usually holiday planning month so get out your calendar and fix your dates – it will give you something to look forward to!
The Tourism industry is resilient and especially here on the Costa del Sol and Algarve. The destinations’ appeal is strong, and the demand is palpable. So, thanks to the vaccination, we are looking forward with optimism to 2021 and beyond.
Golf Experience was established in 1989 and has seen a few glitches in demand for tourism although none on the scale of Covid. But we will get through this one and continue doing what we are passionate about – organising golf holidays.
So we would like to wish you and your families the best possible Christmas whatever the circumstances.
Golf News:
With few exceptions, our golf courses have remained open throughout the year. They will be gearing up now for a resumption to normal traffic. Most courses here have local members, so maintenance levels have generally remained high.
Zagaleta “The Hidden Trees.
Following on from our previous newsletter announcing the opening of La Zagaleta New Course we can now give you some additional information. Prior to opening to the public La Zagaleta has re/branded its “New” course as “Zagaleta Hidden trees”. I’m not sure if there is a subtle warning in that name!
Green-fees will be in the €170 to €210 range, depending on the season, and with 15 minute intervals. Visitors tee-times are available between 09.00 – 10.00 and 13.00 – 14.00 inclusive.
The course is directly inland about 20 minutes from Marbella which is a plus.
San Roque Old Re-opens
San Roque Old.
San Roque Old Course and Clubhouse has reopened on December the 5th. During the first 6 months, there will be a limited number of players per day, where San Roque members will have preference. They will have 2 tee times per day for visitors.
In the period between December until end of May 2021, individual green fees will not be sold on the Old Course, however, Flight tee-times will (so really only works if you are 4 or a multiple thereof).
The price per tee-time on the Old Course is 600€ and includes:
• Players: from 1 to 4
• shared buggy included
• A bag of balls (80 balls) for the driving range with Top Tracer Technology
The reason for this special offer for tee times in this period, is because the course won’t be in perfect conditions yet, and there will be strict playing conditions:
• Play from mats on the fairways (until August 2021).
• All players will be required to take a buggy in this period.
• Buggies must stay on the cart path at all times.
• Practice facilities to be used 45 minutes before your tee time.
• Players must be at the start tee 10 minutes before tee time.
Greens will, however, be in perfect condition.
Tournament News:
Dates for the 2023 Solheim Cup to be hosted by Finca Cortesin are now set for 18th to 24th September. Golf Experience will have packages including accommodation and entrances.
Guadalmina South Host Spanish Ladies Andalucía Open
From behind closed doors, Guadalmina South hosted the Ladies Spanish open in early December. A little local knowledge allowed for great viewing spots from outside the course at the 10th Green.
Guadalmina South Course hosting Spanish Open last in late November
Emily Kristine Pedersen from Denmark Open winner.
Accommodation:
New self-catering option in Puerto Banus.
We have recently added the Mimosas Suites Apartment to our Accommodation Portfolio in Puerto Banus. These spacious apartments are adjacent to the beach and a short walk from the marina in Puerto Banus along the “Paseo” or beach promenade.
This luxurious and modern complex of tourist apartments is beautifully designed with high-quality furniture and personalized customer care service so that clients can enjoy all the possible comforts and great location. With a privileged situation just 200 meters from the well-known Mistral Beach and close to the world-renowned Puerto Banús in Marbella, MIMOSAS SUITES BANÚS is designed for you to live a premium experience during your stay.
Mimosas’s indoor spa area.
Large terraces.
Hotel Fuerte Marbella
Having postponed their closure due to Covid 19, the ionic Fuerte Marbella hotel will now open for the 2021 season (March to September) and then close in September 2021 for a full refurbishment and reopen in Sept 2022 as a five-star property.
Fuerte Marbella.
Aviation Sector:
While we have seen much disruption in the aviation sector, we are confident that the airlines will respond immediately to the demand when travellers decide it is safe to travel. There may well be a couple of casualties in the sector but the main carriers serving Malaga and Faro (Ryanair, Aer Lingus and EasyJet) look ready to take off. Some of the secondary airports may be slower to feel the lift but Malaga will be first to bounce back.
Norwegian Air’s faith is in the balance but while it is a big player internationally it is not so from the UK & Irish market to Iberia.
Aer Lingus A330 widebody at Malaga Airport.
Wizz Air Open Luton to Gibraltar route.
From this month Wizz Air has commenced a twice-weekly Luton to Gibraltar route with the intent to rising to twice daily from March. The route had been operated by Monarch and Easyjet.
Wizz Air’s inaugural Luton to Gibraltar flight.
Car Hire:
While there may be casualties among the big players at Malaga Airport, Espacar continues to offer their excellent service and rental options at Malaga and Gibraltar Airports. 2021 will be an unusual year in the sector here in Spain. While customers may expect that car-hire should now be cheap as demand has slumped, this is not the case. Car hire companies quickly adjust their fleet stock through flexible contracts with the manufacturers. Typically, at Malaga airport, the pool of cars has reduced by 70% so supply and demand quickly rebalance. The other impact is that while car-hire companies can reduce their stock quickly enough – increasing it may take longer so we could see a situation in 2021 where there may be a shortage of cars. Therefore, as ever, the advice is to book early.
Antonio from Espacar
Juan from Espacar
Paco from Espacar
And as usual, our friendly agents at Malaga Airport will ensure you get your car quickly and without any drama. Our policy is simple – the price we give you is what you pay and no hidden extras.
So as soon as you have fixed your dates let us know and we will take care of the car-hire. Here’s a little message from Espacar Click Here.