The IPBN’s second annual Tourism Conference has been finalized and is set to occur in the Algarve on Wednesday, May 24 at the Quinta do Lago Clubhouse from 0900 to 1 pm. The conference promises an engaging line-up of keynote speakers, case studies, and a series of panel discussions on topics related to the tourism industry in the Algarve.

When it comes to the case studies portion of the conference, the IPBN has arranged three significant players in the Algarve tourism industry including Tony Judge, Founder and Chief Executive of IPBN member company and conference sponsor Clubs to Hire, Michael Stock, Administrator of IPBN member company Quinta dos Vales and the Wine Experience, and Cheryl Smith, Owner of IPBN member company Figs on the Funcho.

Tony Judge’s Clubs to Hire rents out high-end golf clubs throughout Europe, the U.S., Asia, and Africa. The company is the number one golf rental company worldwide where you can hire a top set of golf clubs for as little as €35 per set per week. Since its inception in mid-2010 the company has looked after over 300,000 traveling golfers. After renting the clubs for 2 years we then sell the pre-used sets in the marketplace. This is done via their sister company. Here you can purchase high-quality used clubs from leading brands such as Taylormade, Titleist, and Callaway. By choosing Clubs to Hire, discerning golfers have the unique opportunity to test the latest offerings from golf’s leading suppliers at an affordable price point that takes the stress out of travel. In a recent interview with Irish Golfer, Tony said, “Convenience, cost, and an opportunity to try out the latest models to market are what drive our business.”

Michael Stock’s family winery, the Quinta dos Vales offers more than just excellent wine, it also offers the experience of creating your own vintage. The Winemaker’s Experience is an opportunity for clients to find out what it’s like to make wine under the tutelage to invent a bespoke bottle (or case, or vat…). In an IPBN Spotlight interview, Michael said, “We couldn’t find anything comparable on the market,” Stock says. “We are helping people take their dreams of making wine and turning it into a reality.” According to Michael, “We start with renting out a vineyard and getting the client involved anywhere from three to six months before the harvest.” The resident winemaker explains the next steps so the winemaker can follow their gut intuition or the recommendation of the expert.

Cheryl Smith’s background as an IT consultant originally from South Africa gave her the essential tools she needed to found and run Figs on the Funcho, an idyllic location in the beautiful countryside of Portugal’s Algarve region, with direct views over Barragem do Funcho and the river. Nestled there are two hidden gems: The River House and The River Lodge (in the making) The retreat location offers complete privacy, a perfect choice for a creative or wellness retreat, a family self-catering holiday, milestone birthday, workation, intimate wedding party, or otherwise. Rented separately or together, Figs on the Funcho can sleep between 10 and 25 guests and accommodate up to 80 visitors for any special celebrations.

A special thank you to IPBN conference partner Quinta do Lago, conference media partners The Portugal News and TNews, and our conference sponsors and IPBN members clubstohire.com, Joao Marques Seguros, SoundLove, Vendici Properties and Reis – Gestão de Empresas, who have all made this conference possible.

You will find all the details about the conference venue and program here, where you will be able to register to attend the conference in presence or remotely for our audience in Ireland on the IPBN YouTube channel.