Portugal’s Algarve is home to a fusion of tourism activities, indigenous populations, inflowing holidaymakers and migrant settlers. This article investigates business development processes amongst 43 foreign expatriate service providers (FESPs) in Alvor and Albufeira. Many of these immigrant entrepreneurs believe that their businesses are functioning satisfactorily, are well established and are providing a range of traditional and niche service activities. Feminization of ownership is important, with several taking advantage of supportive co-preneurial relationships.This enterprising picture is linked to the ontological condition and use of a neutral language economy when discussing customer behaviour. Other key determinants include insular business practices and limited interplay with tourism authorities. Despite recession and competitive strains, it is argued that FESPs are playing significant roles, fostering social integration, providing jobs, and contributing to the resilient socio-economic performance found at these localized scales of analysis.
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