Working together for the Algarve

It may be the end of an era but it is not the end of the world, according to renowned developer André Jordan, and the Algarve needs to come together if the region is to survive the current global financial crisis.

André Jordan was the guest speaker at the Building Excellence event organised by the British-Portuguese Chamber of Commerce (BPCC) held at the Tivoli Victoria Vilamoura Hotel on October 19.

The concept of “Building Excellence” within the Algarve was explored during the business lunch which was organised in association with the Chartered Institute of Building, the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors and the Institution of Civil Engineers, all of which have active members working in Portugal.

From left: André Jordan with son Constantino Jordan and Ole Jespersen (centre) from the IRG International Realty Group.

The importance of working together to protect and promote the Algarve was stressed by André Jordan during his speech: “Our industry puts food on the table and we must fight to protect it.  The property market has declined by 50 per cent so we need to get out there and get a bigger share of the remaining 50 per cent.”

While the situation in the Algarve may be difficult for the construction and development industry, there are still many positive aspects that can and should be marketed to attract investment.

“The consumers have rejected what is happening in Spain so we have an opportunity.  We have a niche or style, pride and the environment and we all need to come together to be able to survive,” said André Jordan.