The luxurious Monte da Quinta resort has moved to absorb VAT increases in golf green fee rates in Portugal and lend its support to tour operators by freezing prices for 2012.

With the Portuguese economy continuing to be one of the weakest in Europe, the country’s government has raised VAT levels on rounds of golf from six per cent to a startling 23 per cent last month in a bid to raise extra income.

But Monte da Quinta is determined that it will not affect the numbers of golfers travelling to stay and play in the Algarve over the coming months and has announced it will combat the difference in prices being imposed on golfers and travel operators.

The four-star venue has pledged golf breaks will cost the same this year as they did in 2011, with Monte da Quinta ideally positioned for golfers to take advantage of the three 18-hole championship golf courses on the nearby Quinta do Lago estate.

Daniel Gama, general manager of Monte da Quinta, said: “We have worked to increase golf bookings by at least 40 per cent in the last year and are keen for that to continue in 2012.

“Golf plays a major role in promoting tourism in the Algarve and many of our guests come from the UK and Ireland.

“By freezing prices, we hope that golfers will continue to regard the region as one of their top travel destinations as the quality of the courses here is second to none.”

Tags: Daniel Gama, golf, Monte Da Quinta, The VAT Squeeze