Where did you grow up?

I was born and educated in Austria.

When did you arrive in Portugal?

I arrived in Lisbon in 1979. In 1980 I moved to the Eastern Algarve. Since 1990 I’m settled in Tavira.

How did you first know about Carvoeiro?

In 1977 during a 3 weeks summer holiday I travelled along the Algarve. Carvoeiro was one of the places I visited.

What made you start the Golden Clube?

Golden Clube Carvoeiro is the second development in the Algarve of a Portuguese company from Lisbon. It started about 20 years ago with the Golden Clube in Cabanas near Tavira, when tourism industry in the Algarve was in its early days. Over the years and in response to the rising demand, it has become one of the major touristic developments in the Eastern Algarve with over 300 units and a large range of facilities. New properties sell very quickly on plan and resale's are off the list normally within days.

So, what’s the secret?

Well, there is no secret. We are just talking about one kind of good investment: the combination of property and hotel business; a valuable investment (within a tourist resort including facilities and hotel services) and the possibility of rental income, if owners want to lease back their property to the management company for the periods they won’t use it. This is the guarantee for a net return above average.

Now it is time not to rest on success, but to expand business, get a wider range of offer – East and West Algarve – and continue our search of quality. This is exactly where Golden Clube Carvoeiro starts…

Why will it succeed?

Just add to the “natural ingredients” – a beautiful, quiet site in attractive surroundings – our experience in property, construction and hotel business among with an honest, realistic business philosophy. 

Any future projects?

Yes, we have two other Golden Clube projects in the Algarve.

How does the Internet fit into your life?

I first discovered the Internet in my private life. Well, I should say, my son introduced me to it. It is fascinating, how easily and quickly we have access to all kind of information. Nevertheless, I’m aware of and concerned about some possible negative aspects. Especially kids should be taught to use it properly.

In my professional life the Internet has become an important “tool”. As we recently launched  our own website, I've learned about so many aspects I never thought of before, such as submission of sites and pages, search engines and how they work, ranking, etc.  

What are some of your most frequently visited web sites?

The carvoeiro.com site and some other sites related mainly to real estate/property business.

At home and whenever I’m dreaming of a nice holiday, I visit the site of the Tanjungrhu resort. (If the Algarve is paradise, it must be just next to it …). Another of my favorite sites is Sebastian's guesthouse in Tavira. Great place, great bar(man), great music!

Do you think the Algarve is changing?

Yes, it is changing and I’m very happy about it. It seems that finally the time of careful urban planning, environmental concern and nature preservation has come. But there is still a lot to do and “a better Algarve” depends on all of us.

What do you think could be changed in Carvoeiro, realistically?

Well, what I do like about Carvoeiro is that it is an area of low density building development.

I have been working in Carvoeiro for only one and a half months. So I’m still discovering the area, learning about the local community and trying to feel the ambience. And I still have to form an opinion about it. Will you ask me again in a couple of months?

Would you like to get involved in a local business group?

I welcome the idea of a business group as I look at it as a possibility of additional dynamics to local development.