Vacationing on lesser-explored British isles increases in popularity among travelers
In the bustling first quarter of 2025, Cape Verde has emerged as a popular tourist destination, welcoming over 325,000 guests—a 7.2% increase from the same period in 2024. This surge in tourism has been attributed to several key factors that have positively impacted hotel occupancy, average length of stay, and international demand.
France follows the United Kingdom in terms of tourist percentage, with 12.8% of the total foreign guests in the first quarter of 2025. The UK, however, holds the crown as the destination's most popular tourist spot, with 26.9% of the total foreign guests. Germany comes in third, accounting for 11.1% of the foreign visitors.
One of the primary drivers of this tourism boom is improved accessibility. The introduction of new flights to previously underserved airports like São Vicente and Praia has significantly enhanced accessibility, facilitating island-hopping and allowing tourists to explore more of Cape Verde's diverse landscapes and cultural experiences.
Investments in tourist infrastructure have also played a significant role. The opening of new resorts, such as the upcoming Robinson resort on Boa Vista with a "for all" concept, contributes to the growth of the hotel sector. These investments offer more accommodation options and enhance tourist facilities, contributing to the increase in hotel occupancy.
Cape Verde's commitment to sustainable tourism has been another key factor. The focus on sustainability appeals to environmentally conscious travelers, potentially increasing the average length of stay as visitors explore more of the islands' natural and cultural offerings.
The entry of low-cost airlines into the market has also been a major factor in Cape Verde's economic growth, making travel more affordable and accessible. This affordability can lead to higher international demand, contributing to increased hotel occupancy and potentially longer stays as tourists explore various islands and experiences.
Boa Vista, in particular, has seen a significant increase in tourism. It accounted for 21.6% of arrivals and 32.7% of overnight stays in Cape Verde. Hotels in Cape Verde accounted for 84.6% of overnight stays, with apartment hotels being the second most popular category, accounting for 15.9% of guests.
The average length of stay for visitors in Cape Verde increased from 4.7 to 5 nights in the first quarter of 2025, suggesting that tourists are spending more time exploring the islands' attractions. Santiago, Santo Antão, São Vicente, and Sal Island also contribute to the diversity of experiences on offer.
While data on domestic tourists was not provided, it's clear that Cape Verde's tourism industry is thriving, offering a rich and varied travel experience for visitors from around the world.
- In the context of thriving tourism in Cape Verde, the news highlights Portugal's position as the fourth most visited country by foreign tourists in the first quarter of 2025, accounting for 9.6% of the total guests.
- As the economic growth of Cape Verde continues, Finance and Lifestyle sections of news outlets might cover the expansion of the travel industry, with low-cost airlines bridging gaps and promoting affordable travel options for tourists, leading to an increase in demand and visitor length of stay.
