The purchase of Verde Golf on San Miguel from the Azores government in a deal worth /700m will transform the existing 27-hole Batalha course into a luxury golf resort. The new resort will offer a choice of accommodation, including villas, apartments and a four-star hotel.

"The Azores offer an untouched destination as far as European golf is concerned, " said Simon Burgess, managing director of Oceanico .

"We believe we can create one the world's best golf experiences and a strong investment opportunity. With new direct flights from the UK scheduled to start in May, this is a key time for the Azores in the golf and tourism market, " The nine volcanic islands of the Azores are located in the Atlantic Ocean, 950 miles west of Lisbon and 2,100 miles from the east coast of the USA.

"The move will help establish the Azores as a quality destination within the golf market and help attract additional tourism, " said Sergio Avila of the Azores government. "We look forward to welcoming many new visitors to our islands."

Oceanico Developments Tel:

01-617 7967;

www. oceanicodevelopments. com