International Polo Tour returns to Ecuador for 5th IPT BUGGATTI World Cup Invitational

By AI, Created 4:58 PM UTC, May 18, 2026, /AGP/ – The International Polo Tour will stage its 5th annual IPT BUGGATTI World Cup Invitational on June 6, 2026, at La Palma Resort & Polo Club in Puembo, Ecuador. Team USA returns as defending champion against Team Ecuador, with the event pairing high-level polo, luxury hospitality and tourism promotion.

Why it matters: - The Ecuador event is part of the International Polo Tour’s expanding global slate and highlights the sport’s crossover with luxury travel, tourism and branded hospitality. - Team USA enters as the defending champion, giving the match added competitive weight for the June 6 showdown. - The event also positions Ecuador as a destination for polo fans and luxury travelers, including visitors interested in combining the tournament with Galápagos travel.

What happened: - The International Polo Tour will host the IPT BUGGATTI World Cup Invitational on June 6, 2026, at La Palma Resort & Polo Club in Puembo, Ecuador. - The event is in its 5th annual edition. - Team USA will defend its title against Team Ecuador. - The tournament is presented by OUI Producciones, the International Polo Tour and Hotels at Sea® Luxury Cruises. - The afternoon polo match starts at 2:00 PM. - The Epic Après Polo Party begins at 6:00 PM.

The details: - La Palma Resort & Polo Club sits against the Andes Mountains backdrop. - The event combines polo, luxury hospitality, international tourism and South American culture. - Team USA’s lineup includes Tareq Salahi as team captain, plus Nizar Zakka, Marcos Bignoli and Shawn Roberts. - The post-match celebration will include live music, fashion, cocktails, fine cuisine and luxury hospitality. - Tareq Salahi said the 5th season in Ecuador is a strategic partnership for the International Polo Tour Hotels at Sea programs. - Salahi also said La Palma Resort & Polo Club offers world-class facilities and a strong setting for the event. - Guests interested in overnight stays can visit La Palma Polo Hotel accommodations. - Tickets are available at the event ticket page. - More information is available at the International Polo Tour website and its sponsors and partners page.

Between the lines: - The event reflects IPT’s effort to tie polo to premium travel experiences and international brand exposure. - Ecuador’s role as a gateway to the Galápagos gives the tournament a tourism angle beyond the match itself. - The planned VIP access and hospitality packages suggest the event is aimed at affluent travelers and polo enthusiasts as much as sports fans.

What’s next: - Guests interested in complimentary VIP polo tickets or hospitality information are being directed to contact International Polo Tour and Hotels at Sea® Luxury Cruises. - IPT is also promoting its upcoming summer season at Morven Park in Leesburg, Virginia, including the Sunset Polo® White Lotus 250th Anniversary Invitational World Cup on Sept. 19. - The organization says it is developing a climate-controlled indoor polo stadium in South Florida, scheduled to open by 2030. - Organizations interested in the stadium initiative can contact IPT through its contact page.