The Cape Verde government has announced that it intends to invest about €8.2m in its tourism offer, including the upgrading of some rural villages. The aim being to expand tourism beyond the normal sun and beach holiday attractions. This is investment that is needed, especially following the pandemic.
The statement expressed the hope that with the development of vaccines, the pandemic will decline in 2021 allowing tourism to start its recovery. In 2019 almost 820,000 tourists visited the archipelago and tourism accounts for about 25% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
The intention is to work with local rural villages in Santo Antão, São Nicolau, Maio, Santiago, Fogo and Brava. The improvements will concentrate on biodiversity, landscape, historical and social and cultural characteristics. The work would also include upgrading basic sanitation and as a result increase the quality life for the local people as well as encouraging visitors. Beaches, swimming and sunbathing are only a part of what this country has to offer. This particular investment will concentrate on the other attractions, such as increasing walking routes, providing better signage and visitor or interpretation centres. Alongside this there are local crafts, gastronomy and cultural events that can be promoted.
Cape Verde is famous for its beaches and fantastic weather. However, there is so much more. The tourism offer in Cape Verde has not been fully developed yet.
