Cape Verde, a destination of choice for Portuguese tourists, is the international guest destination of the 2024 edition of the Lisbon Tourism Exchange (BTL), which will take place from February 28th to March 3rd at FIL – Parque das Nações.
Cape Verde is a tourist destination with increasing visibility, which attracts visitors from all over the world. The archipelago’s beaches are true postcards, offering, in addition to the relaxing atmosphere, ideal conditions for practising water sports. The streets echo with the sounds of morna and funaná, manifestations of Cape Verde’s cultural heritage that can be found in every corner. Culture is also served at the table – and Cape Verdean cuisine is a fusion of African, Portuguese and Creole flavours, with traditional dishes conquering palates.
The archipelago has a lot to discover, from the imposing landscapes to the trails and dormant volcanoes that invite exploration. The different islands have their personality, from the hustle of Santiago to the tranquillity of Santo Antão. Offering different tourist attractions on each island of the archipelago, Cape Verde has gained prominence on the international scene through an updated and competitive promotion strategy.
The cultural connection through Lusophony is one of the distinctive elements that make Cape Verde increasingly attractive to the Portuguese. The common language and close historical and cultural ties make visitors feel at home, creating a unique connection with the destination.
The geographical proximity combined with the ease of access, with regular direct flights, makes Cape Verde an even more attractive choice for Portuguese travellers who wish to explore new horizons in search of leisure, but also for business visitors and those in the VFR (visiting friends) segment. and relatives). The exotic landscape is not only an invitation to relaxation but also an environment conducive to the development of commercial opportunities. Cape Verde is also home to those looking to explore their roots, revisit family and friends and strengthen emotional ties. A sister country that is just four hours away.
This growing interest of the Portuguese in what Cape Verde has to offer is reflected in the most recent information released by the National Statistics Institute (INE) of Cape Verde, on tourist activity for the second quarter of 2023. According to INE data Cape Verde, Portugal represents the second largest tourist source market for Cape Verde, totaling 12.2% of arrivals and 12.3% of overnight stays in this period.
The archipelago’s participation in this event will strengthen ties between Portugal and Cape Verde, providing visitors with an in-depth view of the tourist resources that this destination has to offer. In addition to the internationally renowned beaches and diverse natural resources, there is a country with soul and culture to continue discovering.
For the Minister of Tourism and Transport, Dr Carlos Santos, “Cape Verde being designated, by BTL, as an international guest destination is a huge honour and, clearly, recognition for the work that the Government of Cape Verde has carried out, since 2016, in favour of the development and improvement of the destination. First, tourism as the country’s development engine and catalyst and driver of all economic activity. Second, making tourism the primary instrument in reducing poverty, through the creation of jobs and maximizing the impact of positive effects, via virtuous and sustainable growth, for the benefit of the population and communities, especially for young people and women”.
“This will be a year of great achievements for tourism in Cape Verde. For now, with the presentation of the new Cabo Verde brand, aiming at more targeted communication towards product and market diversification, reflecting a well-defined strategy based on planning that projects the country as a service platform. On the other hand, conditions are being created so that tourism has a territorial scope across all the islands and finds the main ingredients in the formation of products in the environment, culture and history.
The country is going through one of its best moments ever. In the year that has just ended, 2023, according to the data estimated so far, Cape Verde received more than 900 thousand tourists, exceeding the 2019 numbers by around 12%. And the expectation for 2024 is continued growth. The presence of Cape Verde in the BTL, as a guest country, is certainly the ideal and unique setting to showcase the tourist destination, its people, its landscapes, its culture and the historical heritage that the islands present”, adds the Minister of Tourism and Transport of Cape Verde, Dr. Carlos Santos.
“Cape Verde is a very special destination for Portuguese travellers. Welcoming it as an international guest destination at BTL 2024 is a way of celebrating the close and lasting connection between our two markets. To Cape Verde, BTL offers a prominent platform to develop commercial synergies with several Portuguese tourism players, but also a privileged space to promote the destination’s news and contact directly with the consumer. There is a lot to discover in Cape Verde – and we are certain that the return of the archipelago to BTL, in a prominent position, will be a way to strengthen our value proposition for tourism professionals and consumers”, says Dália Palma, manager of the Lisbon Tourism Exchange.
Promoted by the AIP Foundation, the 34th edition of BTL – Lisbon Tourism Exchange will take place from February 28th to March 3rd, 2024, at FIL – Parque das Nações.
Up-to-the-minute information for exhibitors and visitors can be found on the BTL – Bolsa de Turismo de Lisboa website.
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