André Jordan, the businessman responsible for the creation of Quinta do Lago and the revitalization of Vilamoura, died yesterday at the age of 90.
The businessman's death has already been mourned by Quinta do Lago, which classifies André Jordan as «a true visionary», who created this venture with his «extraordinary vision and resilience» and «rooted his legacy in what we proudly call home today» .
«André Jordan’s journey with Quinta do Lago began with a dream – a dream to create a world-class resort that embraced the charm and elegance of our local surroundings. Despite facing challenges, he embarked on this journey with unwavering spirit. From the modest beginnings of a dilapidated farm to the vibrant center of luxury and leisure that it is today, André's foresight transformed Quinta do Lago into a haven of peace and tranquility», added those responsible for this development.
The same entity also speaks of a “remarkable” life and celebrates “his vision, his passion and the lasting legacy he leaves behind. Quinta do Lago will forever carry the mark of its spirit, inspiring future generations».
André Jordan (Andrzej Franciszek Spitzman Jordan) was born on September 10, 1933, in Lviv, Poland (now a city in Ukraine). He left his country as a child, when the threat of World War II and Nazi persecution became real.
The family, which had lost everything in Poland, had a brief stay in Portugal but it was in Brazil that they settled. There, Jordan began his career, first as a journalist and then in real estate, later passing through other countries, such as Uruguay, Argentina and the United States of America.
He returned to Portugal in 1970 and became known for his large project in the south of the country, Quinta do Lago, recognized today as one of the most famous golf and leisure developments in the world.
Taking inspiration from American country clubs, Quinta do Lago was adapted to the characteristics of the Algarve landscape. The concept was new in Portugal, but Jordan believed in its bright future.
With a career spanning over 50 years, he also created Belas Clube de Campo, a residential community with a golf course, near Lisbon, and carried out one of the revitalization plans in the Vilamoura area, as well as the creation of the Vilamoura Program XXI, also in the Algarve.
He is Doctor Honoris Causa by ISCTE and the University of Algarve. He was Honorary Consul of Brazil in the Algarve for 17 years.
He is a Grand Officer of the Order of Infante D. Henrique and was decorated by the President of the Republic Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa with the Grand Cross of the Order of Commercial Merit. The Brazilian Government designated him Grand Officer of the Order of Rio Branco. He is an honorary citizen of the cities of Rio de Janeiro and New York. and received the Gold Medal from Loulé (1998) and Sintra, as well as from Turismo do Algarve.
In 2021, it was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II.
In the same year, received the National Tourism Award – Career category.
Before, in 2014, he had already been considered one of the 12 most influential personalities in tourism worldwide.
Last year, a street named after him was opened in Vilamoura. There was also an avenue in Quinta do Lago named after the founder of the enterprise.
André Jordan participated in the founding of several important institutions in the business and cultural areas. He is the author of books, the most recent being “A Journey through Life”, his autobiography.
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