Dutch businessman founded Castro Marim’s first major tourism project
Willem van Kooten, founder of the Castro Marim Golfe & Country Club, died on January 3 at the age of 83.
The resort shared the news on Tuesday (January 7) on what would have been the Dutch businessman’s 84th birthday.
“Born on January 7, 1941, Willem van Kooten led multiple projects in the fields of entertainment, music, and tourism. His achievements earned him recognition by the Dutch Royal Family, who in 2006 awarded him the title of Officer of the Order of Orange-Nassau. In 2013, he was honoured with the Gold Medal of Merit from the Municipality of Castro Marim, representing Algarvelux, SA, for his significant contributions to the region’s tourism sector,” the resort said in a statement to the press.
“Willem van Kooten was a man of exceptional kindness, sharp insight, inspiration, and generosity, who always believed in the tourism potential of the Algarve, particularly the Eastern Algarve (Sotavento), and who will certainly be missed by all his partners, friends and collaborators,” the resort added.
The Castro Marim Golfe & Country Club was the first tourist project to be developed in the municipality, currently featuring a 27-hole golf course, a tourist village, a residential area and several associated services.
michael.bruxo@portugalresident.com
