Latitude 40 is a English/Portuguese speaking travel agency which opened in April 1975 originally based in Marble Arch.
21/01/2023
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of one of Latitude 40’s founding members, Armindo Valerio.
In 1975 Valerio along with 2 amigos Luis Pimentel & Otto Von-Hafe set up a Travel agency in JC Galleries, Marble Arch targeting the growing Portuguese community in London. The business quickly evolved from just selling flights to providing a host of other travel services reaching far and beyond Portugal whilst still maintaining an influential and dominant presence in the Portuguese community.
In 1977 Valerio opened a short-lived sister company, Portugal Holidays alongside Luis and Liberal Lopes as a tour operator with an extensive programme covering the length and breadth of Portugal and its majestic Archipelagos.
Valerio & Luis also went on to open one of London’s first and arguably best Portuguese restaurants at the time, Ports on Beauchamp Place in Knightsbridge. A successful but short-lived venture.
In 1988 Valerio sold his shares in Latitude 40 and left London to live in the picturesque seaside village of Cascais. Where he lived the rest of his years apart from a brief stint back in London as the UK sales Manager for Air Luxor.
Valerio will be remembered for his loyalty and friendship. His remarkable ability to make people (and quite often himself) cry with laughter at jokes and tales of his escapades in multiple languages. His joy for life and his willingness to live it to the fullest.
Valerio is survived by his devoted daughter Emma, her two beautiful children Louis & Elise and his wife Fatima.
He is and will always be very much missed.
Take it easy man!
