Belfast ready to tee-off in the Algarve with Jet2.com

Just two weeks after its launch, Jet2.com’s new route from Belfast to the golfer’s paradise of The Algarve in Portugal, is proving popular and has even won the support of World Champion amateur golfer Danielle McVeigh from Kilkeel, County Down.

As golf fever hits its peak in Northern Ireland, following back-to-back US Open wins for Graeme McDowell and 22 year-old Rory McIlroy, it is hoped Jet2.com’s new route will inspire would-be golfers to give it a go. With its sunshine and stunning scenery Portugal is well known as one of the most popular golf destinations in Europe.  As well as established world famous courses such as Vale do Lobo, Palmares and  Boavista The Algarve also has a wave of newly opened facilities such as Quinta de Cima - now ranked within the top 25 courses in Europe.

23 year old Danielle is delighted that Jet2.com has introduced their exciting Faro route.  She says;

"I compete in the Portuguese Open every year, except this year as I was studying for my degree in Business and Management in Maynooth and just obtained a BSC Hons 2:1.  I also travel lots to Portugal for warm weather training and am delighted that Jet2.com has introduced a direct route from Belfast International Airport.  With Jet2.com's low fares, it's going to be welcomed by lots of golfers from the North and South of Ireland as Portugal has numerous golf-courses with the added benefit of sunshine!"
 
Priced from just £39.99 one way including taxes, flights from Belfast International to The Algarve will depart every Saturday morning from May 2012 and, with Jet2.com’s friendly flight times, keen golfers can be enjoying one of The Algarve’s 30 courses by the early afternoon.

Jet2.com has introduced a special ‘Buy One Get One Free’ offer for keen golfers wishing to take their clubs to The Algarve. To take advantage of the offer, which could save passengers £25 for a single flight or £50 for a return journey, flights customers simply enter the promotion code ‘GOLFFAO’ when making their booking. The offer is valid for bookings made between 1 and 31 July 2011 at Jet2.com.

Ian Doubtfire, managing director of Jet2.com, commented: “This new destination is a great addition to our Belfast line up and we’re delighted that it has won the support of top golfers such as Danielle. However, it would be fair to say the Algarve isn’t just about golf – there really is something for everyone with beautiful sandy beaches and dozens of watersports  on offer, the whole family will find something to keep them entertained.  Away from the beach, there is also plenty to see and do with bustling markets, great shopping and the fantastic Zoomarine Theme Park all making for action packed days.”

As well as great flight times, holidaymakers can also benefit from package holidays from sister company Jet2holidays which combine Jet2.com flights, resort transfers,  a 22kg baggage allowance, handpicked two to five star hotels and ATOL protection.  Four-star breaks staying in Vilamoura close to numerous golf courses, are available from just £399 per person for seven nights bed and breakfast, including resort transfers and a 22kg baggage allowance. Savvy holidaymakers booking before the 4th July can save an additional £100 off their well earned break.

Danielle will be representing Ireland next week at the European Golf Championships in Austria and has high expectations for her team.  She says; "This will be the fourth year I've represented Ireland in the European Golf Championships and to be honest, this is the best team I've ever played on, so I have high expectations that we will do well."
 
Danielle, who won the World Student Games in Thailand in 2007 and was 2009 British Amateur Champion is delighted that now her degree is finished she can dedicate 100% of her time to golf.  She says; "I am turning professional before the end of this year and there are a lot of exciting times ahead.  My ambition is to be ladies world number one in the next five years, so hopefully I will follow in the footsteps of the current number one lady golfer, Yani Tseng from Taiwan."

For more information or to book visit Jet2.com for flights, or Jet2holidays.com for package holidays.