The Sunseeker London Group is delighted to announce a new territory to their European portfolio, with the opening of a brand-new ‘Sunseeker Portugal‘ office in Vilamoura Marina, Portugal.
With work commencing on a new office, Sunseeker Portugal will become the leading name in new, used and brokerage sales, opening their doors in early Spring 2016.
Managing the opening and development of this new territory for Sunseeker will be Steve Handy, previously of Sunseeker Poole. Steve Handy is a valued member of the Sunseeker London Group with over 10 years of international marine experience across a number of fields. He comments; ‘I am delighted to have the opportunity to develop a new European territory for the Sunseeker London Group. Having regularly visited Vilamoura and the surrounding marinas over the past year, it is clear to see there is a large market of both visiting motor boaters and residential berth holders that will benefit from a strong Sunseeker presence. We look forward to working with all these clients, whether on a service, sales or concierge basis.’
The Sunseeker presence arrives in Portugal at a very exciting time for Vilamoura Marina with the recent launch of a new €1 Billion Master Plan for development in the destination. With an area of 1,700 hectares, eight times the size of Monaco, Vilamoura is one of the Algarve’s largest leisure developments and one of Portugal’s most important travel destinations. new Master Plan offers 18 development projects which are development ready across six lifestyle themes including Vilamoura Marina, Vilamoura Golf, Vilamoura Active, Vilamoura Estates and Vilamoura Lakes which reflect the diverse offering coming to the destination
The transformation will include the development of a new and iconic international Yacht Club, branded spa and gym, along with restaurants and a boutique shopping experience, all a short walk away for nearby berth holders, visiting boaters and the new Sunseeker facilities.
Sunseeker Portugal, will enter into the marina as a commercial partner, working very closely with the master developers Vilamoura World and their management team to create opportunities for both parties.
The expansion into Portugal for the Sunseeker London Group comes at a time when the economy is showing signs of growth, with a number of new boat sales over the past year to Portuguese nationals. The Portuguese government has re-instated the ‘golden visa’ scheme which has so far brought €1.46bn of investment in the country. In addition the non habitual tax regime continues to provide beneficial income tax rates for non-Portuguese nationals. These schemes create great opportunities for a brand like Sunseeker with a number of wealthy international clients making Portugal their destination of choice, providing a more positive outlook across the whole Portuguese marine industry.
Paul Taylor, CEO of Vilamoura World, comments: “Our new Yacht Club and enhanced marina are at the very heart of our vision for Vilamoura. The investment in new infrastructure and services will make Vilamoura a perfect fit for Sunseeker’s launch into the Portuguese territory. The Sunseeker brand epitomises the luxurious yachting lifestyle that Vilamoura is offering under the ‘Vilamoura Marina’ theme of our vast and transformational Master Plan. Vilamoura already caters for over 500,000 visitors a year and the presence of famous brands like Sunseeker will help broaden our appeal to an even more international audience. A new era of prestigious retail and leisure facilities are coming to Vilamoura that when combined with our existing championship golf courses, international standard equestrian facility and stunning beaches, will ensure we become the famous resort destination in Europe.”
Sunseeker Portugal will officially open its doors on the 1st March 2016. The new Sunseeker Portugal office will proudly sit in the centre of the marina with a large shore side presence on full view to all boats entering the marina via the main channel. The large VIP decking area to the front of the office will lead to a new access ramp servicing the Sunseeker pontoons where a number of Sunseeker vessels will be on display.
For further information please contact Steve Handy, Sunseeker Portugal, steve@sunseeker.pt UK: +44 (0)7789 541339, Portugese: 00351 914 479 686
Sunseeker Portugal | CCMV | Marina de Vilamoura | 8125-409 Quarteira | Portugal | Tel: 00351 308 805 535 | www.sunseeker.pt | www.vilamouraworld.com | @sunseeker_PT
