Tourism

There is ongoing preparation in Cape Verde of a Strategic Plan for the tourismsector, as well as an integrated tourism plan for the islands of Sal, Boa Vista and Maio that aims to create sustainable tourism development for Cape Verde.

Tourism is becoming one of the engines of growth for Cape Verde’s economy, reflecting the country’s comparative advantages in this area. Cape Verde’s tourist boom began in the year 2000, with the number of beds increasing 28% between 2000 and 2003 and the number of overnight stays increasing 22%. There has been some effort in the area of professional training, but it still falls short of the sector’s needs. The relatively low quality of tourist services -- dominated by sun and sea –  could jeopardize the sector’s long-term sustainability if not improved. In particular, there is an urgent need for sanitation systems and recycling of sewage water, as well as for improving systems for collecting solid waste. Cape Verde experienced strong economic growth nationally before the onset of the global financial crisis in 2008, but the loss of tourism resulting from a decline in the number of global visitors stifled national economic growth. With the economic recovery, the tourism sector is likely to experience positive growth again.