The forgotten hero of Algarve tourism
Those of a ‘certain age’ may well remember that back in the late 60’s and early 70’s there was one company that dominated the charter travel business to the Algarve, the Travel Club of Upminster.
Led by Harry Chandler and his wife Rene they had seen the potential of the Algarve as soon as the new airport opened and had flights in operation within weeks. Others followed, but they led the way.
How did they spot the potential of the then virtually unknown Algarve? Christmas Eve 1960 and Harry and Rene had a party at their home, one of the guests was a Vic Cowing. He had recently sold out a small ironmonger business he had inherited from his father. He told them he planned to emigrate to a place called the Algarve. Christmas day he came back to see Harry and Rene and told them he had bought a piece of land there and was going to build some villas. Rene was enthusiastic but Harry said he had no interest as the nearest airport was in Lisbon
Albufeira
Faro
Portugal
Upminster
Havering
United-kingdom
Bela-vista
Porto
Lisbon
Lisboa
Sagres
Ireland