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Things to do in Boa Vista

Price (per adult), pickup at hotel.

• RIU Karamboa
• Iberostar Club Boa Vista
• Riu Touareg
• Riu Palace Boavista
• Royal Decameron NEW Horizon
• Guest House Orquidea
• Ouril Hotel Agueda
• Marine Club Beach Resort
• HOTEL DUNAS
• Zodiaco Apartments
• FICTICIOUS BOAVISTA
• Estoril Boavista
• Casa Velha Resort
• Rouandabout
• Blue Marlin Hotel
• Riu Touareg Couples

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Activity languages.

Boa Vista 4x4 Tour with Catchupa Demonstration and Lunch

It's all about immersing yourself in Cape Verdean culture on this 4x4 tour. You'll be entertained by traditional Boa Vista dances in Fundo das Figueiras, visit Morro Negro lighthouse for panoramic views and see a turtle nesting site. What's more, you'll learn how catchupa, Cape Verde's national dish, as well as get to try it for yourself. Rodrigo, one of our local guides, says, ‘Nothing brings the family together like catchupa stew. Each household has its own version – corn, pork, cabbage, sweet potato, yam and carrots are indisputable, but the type of beans used can be a topic of hot debate.'Kick off by rolling through farmland to learn about local crops and agricultural methods in Fundo das Figueiras. There'll be a warm welcome from the villagers, who'll greet you with a drink and invite you to watch traditional dances and live music. You'll also learn the secrets behind how to make a classic Cape Verdean dish, catchupa. It's off to Cabeça de Tarafes next – a tiny village with just 60 inhabitants. Afterwards, it's over to the recently restored lighthouse at Morro Negro, where you'll swap four wheels for your feet and hike to the top. After racking up your step count, you'll hear about its history while taking in panoramic views of the east coast. Hop back into your 4x4 and continue to the golden arch beach of Porto Ferreira, a protected turtle-nesting site where, weather permitting, you can dive into the water for a swim. Rounding off the day is a visit to a local restaurant for a hearty lunch of catchupa.

Boa Vista 4x4 Tour with Local Culture and Island Flavours

There's no shortage of great views in Boa Vista, and this 4x4 tour shows you just how picturesque it is. You'll discover the shipwreck at Cabo Santa Maria, visit Fundo das Figueiras, stop to sample local food in Rabil and visit a visit a Local Biodiversity centre, too.

Boa Vista Beachside Sunset Dinner with Live Music

The west coast of Boa Vista usually provides stunning sunsets across the South Atlantic. Admire the colours of dusk with your special someone over a delicious dinner, followed by some live drumming and mellow tunes on the beach. Carlo, one of our expert local guides, says: ‘Cape Verde's music is one of the most important strands of our heritage and culture. There are a variety of styles unique to the islands, and you will hear a mix of some of our traditional music together with international tunes performed after dinner by local musicians.'You'll be whisked off to the island-renowned Morabeza Beach Club well before the sun begins its descent over the water. Take your seat and while away the time with a glass of the local cocktail, Ponche, in your hand and the sound of the waves in your ears. The beach club has a natural theme and a stress-free vibe, with tables directly on the beach. The beautiful tropical sunset would be all the visual entertainment needed, but there are plenty of treats to come.As the light dims, a bonfire is lit and African drummers start to provide a soundtrack of infectious beats giving you a flavour of the local culture. Then it's time to sit down and enjoy a delicious buffet dinner, with a selection of grilled meats, vegetables, and freshly-caught fish - plus a drink to wash it all down. A live band will play laid-back music during your meal, and up the tempo later on, so you can dance the night away with the sand between your toes.

Southern Boa Vista 4x4 Tour with Viana Desert and Villages

A chance to delve into some of the Boa Vista's top spots. Spend a morning roaming the Viana desert in a 4x4 and exploring inland towns before ending up on one of the island's most beautiful beaches. Rabil, the Viana desert, Povoação Velha and Santa Monica beach are among the attractions you'll discover.

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Sal Rei Sightseeing Tour with Local Speciality Tastings

With its blend of African, Brazilian and European influences, Cape Verde's unique culture is one to experience. On this tour, taste traditional food, visit the vibrant local markets and take a guided tour of Sal Rei, the capital of Boa Vista.

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Boa Vista Full Day 4x4 Island Tour with Beachfront Lunch

Off-road through luscious landscapes and be charmed by Boa Vista's untouched beauty on this action-packed 4x4 tour. Roberto, one of our local guides, says, ‘The Viana desert is Boa Vista's very own chunk of the Sahara. Its sand is blown in from western Africa, creating huge dunes, which we'll rally up and down.' Leave no stone unturned as you visit the shipwreck on Santa Maria beach, before stopping in Sal Rei village and Povoaçao Velha. Plus, there's lunch by the sea in a beachfront restaurant.The fun kicks off in the Viana desert. Feel the wind in your hair as you rumble over the sand dunes in a 4x4. Then, you're off to discover the rusting shipwreck of Cabo de Santa Maria – a symbol of Boa Vista. Roberto says, ‘There are about 150 shipwrecks on the islands of Cape Verde, but this one is the most mysterious of all. It's a great place to snap a selfie, too.' You'll have a quick stop in Sal Rei for a glimpse at the capital's fishing pier, before a locally-sourced lunch is served at a nearby beach restaurant.Next up is a pit stop in Povoaçao Velha – the oldest settlement on the island. Have a poke around this isolated hamlet and enjoy a look into local life, before our final stop, Santa Monica beach. Boasting 15km of white sand and undulating dunes, it's no wonder it was voted one of the world's top 10 beaches. The perfect place to end the tour.

Adults Only Boa Vista 4x4 Island Tour with a Local Guide

You'll feel like you know every corner of little Boa Vista island after this adults-only off-road adventure. With a knowledgeable guide to show you around, you'll find out about the history and culture of the area, too. Leave no stone unturned as you visit Viana desert and the shipwreck at Cabo de Santa Maria, before exploring Povoacao Velha. Plus, there's lunch at a beachside restaurant to enjoy. Manuel, one of our expert local guides, says ‘The beach with the shipwreck is a very evocative spot, one of the most beautiful on the island. The ship ran aground in 1968 and has been here ever since.'Setting off towards the Viana desert, prepare to be charmed by Boa Vista's untouched scenery on this action-packed 4x4 tour. Feel the wind in your hair as you rumble over the sand dunes in a 4x4. Then, you're off to discover the rusting shipwreck of Cabo de Santa Maria – a symbol of Boa Vista. Chamine de Chaves is our next stop, before we slow things down with lunch in a beachside restaurant.Next up is Povaocao Velha – the oldest settlement on the island. Have a poke around the small town and take a glimpse into local life, before we head to our final stop, Santa Monica beach. If it's dreamy Caribbean colours and empty sands you are looking for, you've found it. Have your camera ready because this blissful beach is one of the most photographed spots on the island. Boasting 18 kilometres of white sand and undulating dunes, it's no wonder that the sandy strip was voted one of the top ten in the world.

Boa Vista Sandboarding Experience on Morro de Areia's Dunes

With bright coastal views, the rippling desert of Morro de Areia is the perfect place to get the adrenaline pumping with a 90-minute sandboarding experience. Boa Vista, which means "good view" in Portuguese, is the easternmost island of Cape Verde. It's known for its great beaches and patches of desert landscape. Jose, one of our expert local guides, says, 'Prepare to get very sandy on this exhilarating trip into Boa Vista's beautiful seaside nature reserve. But getting sandy is all part of the fun as you whizz down and clamber up the dunes.'Morro de Areia is one of the most prominent dune systems on the island and is especially known for its pristine and shifting sands. The scenic sand dunes that line the coast of Boa Vista have the added advantage that you can often see the coast from the higher dunes, and Morro de Areia is no exception. Sit back and enjoy the ride as you drive out across the sands, it's an exciting trip for both adults and kids as you roar across the dunes. The wild surroundings and fabulous views make the perfect backdrop for some unbridled fun. After a safety briefing and demonstration from your friendly instructors, have a go at surfing the dunes yourself. It's a brilliant way to get out into nature and see a different side of the island while enjoying a new experience which will have all the family whooping with excitement. Half-time refreshments are provided so you can rest and enjoy the sea view.

Desert Delight

For a truly celestial holiday experience, it's hard to beat this evening dinner in Boa Vista's Viana desert. We'll pick you at your hotel and bring you to the middle of nowhere, far away from light pollution, for an unrivalled view of the Milky Way in its full glory. What's more, there's also a tasty buffet dinner to enjoy.

Boa Vista Fishing Boat Trip

Fishing aficionados will love this half-day fishing tour. After setting off into the bay around Sal Rei, you'll drop anchor to spend the morning or afternoon waiting for a catch. One thing's for sure - you'll fall hook, line and sinker with fishing in Boa Vista.

Santa Maria Beach Two-hour Quad Tour by Quad Zone

With innumerable sandy dunes and a fairly desolate interior, Boa Vista is heaven for quad bikers. Spend two hours blasting along the island's deserted trails, with some memorable pit stops in between. Take the wheel yourself or choose a double quad and you can relax as the passenger.

Southern Boa Vista Four-hour Quad Tour by Quad Zone

Off-road adventure is the name of the game on this action-packed excursion. Spend four adrenaline-pumping hours carving up the sands and exploring the trails of Boa Vista's stunning south coast. You can choose whether you want your own quad or whether you're happier to be a passenger – and let your partner do all the hard work.

With blissful beaches, varied natural landscapes and an interesting cultural heritage, Boa Vista is the perfect island for those looking for a quiet holiday with a few things to discover. This gem of the Cape Verde archipelago is the ideal destination for those who love sun, sea and nature excursions. With its charming villages, desert landscapes and the chance to practice all kinds of water sports, Boa Vista is a little slice of paradise.

Top 6 things to do in Boa Vista

1. Explore Fundo das Figueiras

Shaded by palm trees and flowering plants, the village of Fundo das Figueiras is a must-see. Here you will be struck by the quiet and relaxed atmosphere, a perfect contrast to the bustling resorts that dot the island's beaches. Soak up the local culture and listen to the stories of the people who live there. The village is famous for its celebrations in honor of its patron saint, São João Batista. It is also an excellent starting point for exploring the northern part of the island, including Porto Ferreira beach, frequented by sea turtles, and the red earthenware factory of Rabil, known for the production of statues.

2. Discover the capital, Sal Rei

Although Sal Rei is the capital of the island, it is a very quiet town of fishermen's houses and colonial-era buildings. Lose yourself in its streets and adapt to the slow pace of life of the locals. Visit the famous fish market, take a look at the craft shops and then head to the beach to relax in a beach bar with a cocktail in hand. This is also a great opportunity to sample traditional Cape Verdean cuisine in the many small restaurants in town and enjoy the renowned rhythms of Cape Verde with a live concert.

3. Hike in the Viana Desert

The Viana Desert is one of the natural wonders of Cape Verde. It is located in the north-western part of Boa Vista and is a popular natural site, thanks to its white sand dunes and striking landscapes. There are many ways to explore it, and we recommend joining a guided tour to experience it in complete safety. Among the most popular options are quad biking and off-road excursions.

4. Visit Atalanta Beach

This is no ordinary beach but a place from which to admire the famous wreck of the Cabo Santa Maria, a Spanish cargo ship that sank off the coast of Boa Vista in the 1960s. Today it lies just a short distance from the shore and is the perfect place to take some unique photos.

5. Dedicate yourself to water sports

Boa Vista is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. From windsurfing to kitesurfing, its azure waters and constant winds provide ideal conditions for practicing these adrenalin-pumping sports. But it is also the ideal place for snorkeling and diving, thanks to the variety of marine life that lurks beneath the surface of the water. Whether you are experienced or a beginner, you will be able to find the right activity and level for you.

6. Relax at the Rabil Oasis

One of Boa Vista's best-loved features is the diversity of its landscapes. The Rabil oasis is a good example of this - a green area within a barren and partly desert island. The site stretches along the Rabil River and, although the terrain is rather arid, it is dotted with palm trees and vegetation typical of desert environments. The wetland is the perfect place to spot various species of birds and other endemic animals.

Get ready for your trip to Boa Vista

What is Boa Vista famous for?

Boa Vista is famous for its great sandy beaches, the presence of sea turtles and its varied natural landscape. It is a quiet island, ideal for those seeking a relaxing holiday or for visitors who want to discover a destination slowly.

What is the best time to visit Boa Vista?

Boa Vista is characterized by a mainly dry and sunny climate. This is why you can visit at any time of year and still be able to enjoy its beautiful beaches. If you prefer to avoid the hottest weather, try to avoid September, when temperatures are on average higher than the rest of the year.

What are the best beaches in Boa Vista?

The beach of Santa Monica is certainly the most famous, which, thanks to its size, guarantees privacy and relaxation. Praia de Chaves boasts limpid blue waters, ideal for snorkelling. Praia de João Barrosa , also known as Turtle Beach, is often frequented by sea turtles, while Praia de Varadinha is characterized by large rocks that divide the shoreline into coves. Also not to be missed are Atalanta Beach , where you can admire the shipwreck of the Cabo Santa Maria, and the dazzling Porto Ferreira beach in the north of the island.

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Cape Verde Tours & Trips

Find the right tour for you through Cape Verde. We've got 26 adventures going to Cape Verde, starting from just 4 days in length, and the longest tour is 20 days. The most popular month to go is October, which has the largest number of tour departures.

26 Cape Verde tour packages with 12 reviews

• Hiking & Trekking
• Christmas & New Year

Cape Verde - Santiago, Fogo, São Vicente & Santo Antão Islands 11 Days

Cape Verde is an incredible destination and BU Country Tours was one of the best tour companies I've had the pleasure of working with. They were incredibly helpful, kind and considerate, and facilitated a free flow of information and dialogue, always standing ready to tweak arrangements if/as needed. Everything was well organized and exactly as discussed. I can't recommend this tour or company strongly enough. Take the trip, you will not be disappointed!

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

• Island Hopping

Cape Verde's local flavors: Santiago, Maio & Fogo Islands - 10 days

We were glad to be taken effortlessly throughout cape verde with Bu country's team : spécial bravo to Aylton, Maria and Aylder !

• In-depth Cultural

Cape Verde Sao Vicente and Santo Antao

Cape Verde Discovery 6 Days /5 Nights

Cape Verde Safari 6Days/5Nights

Discover Santo Antao Hiking and Trekking Paradise

• Mountain Hikes

On Old Paths Into the Heart of the Emerald Isle

Looking for tours beyond just cape verde.

Explore tours with itineraries going through multiple countries, including Cape Verde.

• Educational
• Ocean Cruise
• Sightseeing

Science & Serenity at Sea | Lisbon to Buenos Aires

Cape Verde: Best Hiking & Trekking Trails in Santiago Island - 6 Days

The tour was one of my best experience travelling with the family around the world. Admilson, Rita, Walter and all the nice people we met along the tour made this experience truly unforgettable with their dedication and personal attention to details went above and beyond. All the activities were very interesting and really made us feel immersed in the local culture and discover the magnificent landscapes of Santiago Island. The team made sure that all the sanitary measures were taken place to ensure we could make the best of this experience during the on-going COVID-19 Pandemic. The food was excellent and all the accommodations we stayed at during our stay were very good. Highly recommend this tour, we already decided to go back in a couple of months to visit more islands with Bu Country Tour. Obrigado!

Cape Verde: Wonders of Santiago Island - 7 Days 6 Nights

Secret Trails of Santo Antão & São Vicente Discovery Tours – 7 Days 6 Nights

Cape Verde: Essence of Fogo and Brava Islands, 7 Days 6 Nights

Ultimate Boa Vista Adventure Tour - 7 Days 6 Nights

I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Boa Vista, particularly the excursions planned by BU country tours. I was met at the airport and welcomed to the tour by Admilson. My tour guide who I had for 2 days was fantastic. He was so knowledgeable and friendly, could not fault him. As a solo traveller I had hoped for there to be others on the tour, which there wasn't, only for half a day on the first excursion, which was initially a little disappointing, but it didn't take away from the overall experience. The hotel was fantastic, incredible location, right on the beach, gorgeous room with a view of the beach. The breakfasts were delicious on the roof terrace which had outstanding views of Sal Rei. A big thank you to BU country Tours. I loved my week in paradise.

Sal Island: Relaxing & No Stress Holiday Package, 8 Days 7 Nights

It was great. I am recommending to all of my friends who travel!

Cape Verde: The Royal Routes of Santiago Island - 4 Days (History & Culture)

I had the pleasure of doing a tour with Bu Country Tours on 9/3/2021 - 9/9/2021. I thoroughly enjoyed my tours with this company. Each staff member went above and beyond to assist us in all our needs. On the last day of the Admilson surprised us and took us back to Bar Restaurante Do Mundo for dinner(by the way, I raved about the tuna dish I had from there the entire trip)! After dinner, he also went above and beyond the call of duty by taking us to the grocery store to pick up local spices and items for us to take home. This company coordinated everything (transportation to and from the airport, transportation to the different cities, covid tests, and obtaining results), and everything went smoothly. I can't rave enough about this company as they provided excellent service! If you're ever in Cape Verde or the surrounding islands, please consider Bu Country Tours.

What people love about Cape Verde Tours

BU Country Tours is by far the most outstanding tour company I've ever had to deal with. They provided exceptional service and assistance, displayed genuine kindness and thoughtfulness, and we had great communication with each other, remaining flexible enough to make adjustments whenever necessary. The trip was meticulously planned and executed accordingly well while accommodating personal arrangements when needed. I absolutely endorse both the tour and the company and recommend visiting the beautiful Archipelago of Cabo Verde.

We were glad to be taken effortlessly throughout cape verde with Bu country's team : spécial bravo to Aylton, Maria and Aylder !

Cape Verde Destinations

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Things to do in Cape Verde

Price (per adult), pickup at hotel.

• Hotel Riu Funana
• Hotel Da Luz
• Riu Cabo Verde
• Hotel Central
• Hotel Robinson
• Vila Verde Residence
• Hotel Vila do Farol, Bravo Club
• Hotel Pontao
• Hotel Porta do Vento
• Hotel Nha Terra
• Hotel Meliá Llana
• Hotel Meliá Tortuga
• Hotel Odjo d'Agua
• Hotel Meliá Dunas
• Ocean Suites
• Leme Bedje Residence
• Porto Antigo Residence
• Hotel Riu Palace
• Hotel Riu Cabo Verde
• Hotel Meliá Sol Dunas
• Hotel Meliá Tui Blue
• Hotel Morabeza
• Vila ao Mar Residence
• Hotel Sobrado

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Lobster experience tasting menu in Cape Verde

Discover the real Cape Verdean spiny lobster, enjoying an exquisite meal in a unique location directly on the beach.

30-minute flight simulation experience in Cape Verde

Enjoy this 30-minute flight simulation in Cape Verde.

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60-minute flight simulation experience in Cape Verde

Enjoy a 60-minute flight simulation in Cape Verde.

90-minute flight simulation experience in Cape Verde

Enjoy this 90-minute flight simulation experience in Cape Verde.

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Tui Blue Cabo Verde

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• Excellent 1,230
• Very Good 703
• Average 267
• Terrible 74
• All languages ( 2,381 )
• English ( 1,998 )
• Dutch ( 109 )
• French ( 105 )

" If you want to eat all inclusive Quality food, this isn’t the place and is falsely advertised by TUI. Id recommend you look elsewhere. "

" Food selection in main restaurant poor. Order a mattress topper for your bed on arrival. "

" Unless sun is your only priority, think again ! "

" Sal airport hasn’t caught up with the number of visitors they now have. Take water and be patient. There are bitey insects. Be prepared!! "

" Swim up in the last block facing the bottom pool. "

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Tui Blue Cabo Verde - UPDATED 2024 Reviews & Photos

Top Tours in Cape Verde, Africa

Cape verde tours.

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• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Experience on Sal Island with native and certified guide (including sharks)

2. Santa Maria, Sal: All inclusive Salt Lake, Blue Eye and Shark Bay

3. Catamaran Half Day - Beautiful day on the Atlantic Ocean

4. Boa Vista Island: Half-day Quad Tour to Santa Monica Beach

5. Complete Excursion and Flight on the Zipline Cabo Verde

6. 2h SSV Buggy Desert Adventure - 1000cc or 500cc

7. Santiago Island Tour: Meet with a Local Family & Tarrafal Beach

8. Sailing yacht half day- with Cape Verde Sailing

9. All inclusive full-Day Tour in Sal Island (Lunch and all fees included)

10. Private Whale Watching Tour in Sal Rei

11. Lounge Catamaran SODADE Half-Day (Adults Only)

12. Boa Vista Island: Full-day Caves, Dunes & Santa Monica Beach Tour

13. Full-day tour - Salt Mine, Blue Eye, Shark Watch and Kite Beach

14. Discover Santiago island in 1 day

15. Whale watching tour in Boavista

16. Fishing Snorkeling and Barbecue

17. Electric Beach Bike - Guided Tour in Sal Island

18. Private Boat Tour in Santa Maria

19. Full Day Island Tour, Highlights of São Vicente

20. Private 4WD Boa Vista Day Tour South and North with Sandboarding

21. Lounge Catamaran SODADE Half-Day

22. Sandboard Experience Lemon Shark and Green Turtle's Bay

23. Snorkeling in Gatas Bay

24. 4h SSV Buggy Island Adventure - 1000cc or 500cc

25. Shore Excursion São Vicente, Mindelo 4h or 6h

26. Half Day Island Tour, Sao Vicente, 4h

27. Horse Riding in Sal Island - Cabo Verde

28. Double Diving in Sal Island - Half Day

29. Private Sal Island Tour Authentic Experience from Santa Maria

30. Half-Day Diving in Sal

What travellers are saying.

Press release

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Tourism as a positive force for social and economic development: Government of Cape Verde, TUI and TUI Care Foundation sign Memorandum of Understanding

• Signatories agree to intensify collaboration to strengthen the tourism sector on Cape Verde
• Agreement covers a wide range of 18 issues – from renewable energy and environmental protection to local entrepreneurship empowerment, cultural heritage protection and education
• Signing on the occasion of two-day work meeting between the Government of Cape Verde and the TUI Group Executive Committee lead by Prime Minister José Ulisses Correia e Silva and TUI CEO Sebastian Ebel

The Government of Cape Verde, TUI Group and TUI Care Foundation have signed a Memorandum of Understanding “Tourism for Development” to intensify their cooperation on a wide range of sustainability topics. Their joint goal is to strengthen tourism on the islands as a force for good.The agreement introduces key strategic focus areas that the three signatories want to focus on in their joint efforts. The Memorandum was signed by the Minister for Tourism and Transport, Mr Carlos Jorge Duarte Santos as well as Sebastian Ebel, CEO of TUI Group, and Thomas Ellerbeck, Chairman of the Board of TUI Care Foundation. The signing took place during the two-day work meeting between the Government and TUI on the island of Sal. 

The partners have agreed to build on the immense tourism potential of Cape Verdeand develop it further. To achieve this, they will work together closely and continueto invest in the development of tourism. Their joint goal is to develop a more sustainable and diversified tourism sector for the archipelago benefitting local communities economically and socially. The agreement covers 18 areas, including a special focus on the creation of locally added value, environmental protection, partnerships for innovation and further improvement of the Cape Verdean tourism product. The signatories will be particularly ambitious in evaluating and expanding the production and use of renewable energies such as solar, wind, and hydrogen power to increase energy independence and decarbonize the sector on the islands. An overview on the 18 areas covered in the MoU can be found below. 

Over the last decades tourism has become the main driver of Cape Verde´seconomy. Within less than two decades the country was able to build a thriving tourism sector. TUI and Cape Verde have been close partners for many decades. TUI actively supported and enabled the touristic development of Cape Verde and is a key partner for the tourism industry. TUI’s portfolio of eight hotels with renowned brands like RIU, Robinson or TUI BLUE on the islands of Sal and Boa Vista offers guests more than 10,000 beds. In addition, TUI is by far the biggest airline operator serving the country, operating year-round and offering almost 2,000 flights per year. TUI cruise ships call at Cape Verdean ports each winter season. 

Cape Verde is also a focus destination of the TUI Care Foundation. The independent foundation has been active on the archipelago since its establishment in 2016. School education and job training are the key to a self-determined future, especially for young people. With the TUI Academy on Sal, the foundation opens up new life opportunities for young people. It also supports local agriculture with its initiatives, which is challenging due to the local climate conditions. With the introduction of innovative methods, the TUI Field to Fork programme promoted the local production of fruit and vegetables. The foundation has also been engaged in the protection of endangered turtles on the islands for many years. The Foundation has ambitious plans to extend its portfolio in Cape Verde – with a special focus on the support of small and medium impact entrepreneurs and the protection of local heritage and culture. New initiatives will be announced in the next months.

Tourism for Development – Strategic topics covered by the Memorandum of Understanding:

Intensified Tourism Relations

Increased Technical Cooperation

Development and Dynamization of the Tourism Sector

Promotion of Cape Verde as outstanding tourism destination 

Strengthening the Cape Verdean airline sector

Innovation & Technology 

Protection of Nature and the Environment

Driving down the use of resources 

Renewable Energy

Environmental educational and education on sustainable tourism

Vocational Training in Tourism

Investments 

Economic Policy

Intensified Local Partnerships

Promotion of Local Entrepreneurship

Safeguarding local cultural heritage and traditions 

Cooperation with the Cape Verdean Diaspora

Housing Sustainability

About TUI Group

The TUI Group is one of the world's leading tourism groups and operates worldwide. The Group is headquartered in Germany. TUI shares are listed in the Prime Standard of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, in the regulated market of the Lower Saxony Stock Exchange in Hanover and in the FTSE 250, an index of the London Stock Exchange. TUI Group offers its 19 million customers integrated services from a single source and forms the entire tourism value chain under one roof. The Group owns over 400 hotels and resorts with premium brands such as RIU, TUI Blue and Robinson and 16 cruise ships, ranging from the MS Europa and MS Europa 2 in the luxury class and expedition ships in the HANSEATIC class to the Mein Schiff fleet of TUI Cruises and cruise ships operated by Marella Cruises in the UK. The Group also includes Europe's leading tour operator brands and online marketing platforms, for example for hotel-only or flight-only offers, five airlines with more than 130 modern medium- and long-haul aircraft and around 1,200 travel agencies. In addition to expanding its core business with hotels and cruises via successful joint ventures and activities in vacation destinations, TUI is increasingly focusing on the expansion of digital platforms. The Group is transforming itself into a global tourism platform company.

Global responsibility for sustainable economic, environmental and social action is at the heart of our corporate culture. With projects in 25 countries, the TUI Care Foundation initiated by TUI focuses on the positive effects of tourism, on education and training and on strengthening environmental and social standards. In this way, it supports the development of vacation destinations. The globally active TUI Care Foundation initiates projects that create new opportunities for the next generation.

TUI Group Christian Rapp

• Press release (PDF)

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TUI Taps Into African Tourism With Hotel Push

Jesse Chase-Lubitz , Skift

April 16th, 2024 at 4:52 PM EDT

TUI is tapping into the booming African tourism market as it spreads its offerings throughout the continent.

Jesse Chase-Lubitz

TUI Group’s hotel division, TUI Hotels & Resorts , said on Tuesday it planned to expand its presence in sub-Saharan Africa, a region with significant tourism potential.

The move comes after years of concentrating on North Africa, where TUI boasts a portfolio of 76 hotels. The new push southwards includes eight new hotels planned for Cape Verde, Gambia, Senegal, Tanzania, and Kenya.

TUI’s Local Partnerships

The expansion is meant to serve a range of target groups, such as vacationers looking for more affordable trips to luxury travelers looking for elevated experiences.

The company said it’s “looking forward to contributing to the development of the African hospitality industry and working together with local communities,” but it didn’t go into detail about how those collaborations would happen, other than to call out TUI’s new hotel brand, The Mora, which is debuting in Zanzibar. 

“Our hotel brand TUI Blue, as well as the new brand The Mora, are committed to creating a local touch in their hotel experiences,” a TUI spokesperson said in response to a Skift query. “This can be achieved in many different ways, from local suppliers, e.g. for food-and-beverage, to entertainment from the region or in collaboration with local designers.”

The company says it is collaborating with Sands of Darakasi Resorts Limited to build a TUI Blue hotel in Kenya and that it is looking to partner with other local groups to grow the franchise in the region. 

“Independent hotel owners can benefit from our hotel brands, our expertise in operations, and the digital hotel infrastructure,” said a TUI spokesperson.

In East Africa, TUI focuses primarily on Mauritius, Tanzania, and Kenya.

There are several reasons that tour companies could be drawn to the market now.

“The likely reason that there is greater interest now by TUI in Africa is because [it offers] a low cost for a good product, there’s a greater marketing push from African destination marketing organizations in the European market, and there’s a potential substitution away from perceived risky Middle Eastern destinations because of current conflicts,” said Oliver Martin , Senior Director at Skift Advisory .

The Booming Africa Travel Market

TUI is also tapping into a young market. In 2023, The World Travel and Tourism Council projected that travel and tourism could boost the continent’s economy by $168 billion in the next 10 years.

There is particular potential for internal travel on the continent.

Domestic tourism in South Africa took off in 2023 , with overnight trips climbing by 31% for the first four months compared to 2022, and domestic travel spending increasing by 41%.

For now, domestic tourism is essential to the industry’s growth due to high travel costs and poor transportation networks within and between countries. The continent is also experiencing an unprecedented boom in its middle class, with numbers tripling to more than 310 million over the past 30 years.

“The push to market to and engage African nationals is relatively new,” says Martin. He attributes it to COVID, the rising middle class, and how difficult it can be to get visas outside Africa.

“However, Africa is by no means new to the European market,” he adds. “There is a long history of charter and all-inclusive European travel to East Coast Kenya destinations and Tanzania.”

TUI plans on taking advantage of this growing internal market, but also has its eyes on bigger markets. “South Africa and Kenya are strong local markets,” TUI’s spokesperson said. “But of course the hotels will also attract guests from Europe. At the same time, we are increasing our sales activities in Asia, e.g. China.”

Accommodations Sector Stock Index Performance Year-to-Date

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Tags: africa , africa tourism , future of lodging , hotel development , tui , tui group , tui travel

Photo credit: Agadir Morocco, where TUI hosts one of its all-inclusive holidays. Source: TUI

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Let Down! - Tui Blue Cabo Verde

• Africa    
• Cape Verde    
• Ilha do Sal    
• Santa Maria    
• Santa Maria Hotels    
• Tui Blue Cabo Verde

Meliá Llana Beach Resort & Spa - All Inclusive - Adults only

Meliá Tortuga Beach - All Inclusive

Robinson Cabo Verde

Meliá Dunas Beach Resort & Spa - All Inclusive

Hotel Morabeza

Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria

Hotel Dunas De Sal

Hilton Cabo Verde Sal Resort

Ouril Hotel Pontão

Hotel Livvo Budha Beach

TUI may well want to revise down the '5T' rating of this 'All inclusive' package. Despite the resort, accommodation & staff all being very good/excellent, the food was poor. The Resort itself was very clean and well-tended. The 2 swimming pools were clean and well maintained. Plenty of sunbeds available. Accommodation roomy and really excellent along with the room servicing. The Bars were open at reasonable times although I did not see the swim up bar (co-located with the Cove bar) open at any time. The public beach next to the resort had a nice layout with plenty of sunbeds and windbreaks. However, Food is the major issue here when you are paying premium prices for a '5T' experience. There is no 6T, so this should be the ultimate. The main 'Latitude' restaurant provided safe, edible but ultimately poor quality food with little variety. Definitely nowhere near a '5T' rating. '3T' at best, I would suggest for food which was mainly of a low cost variety with little variation dressed up and nicely presented/labelled to look of a higher standard. All the pastries were dry and bland. The Fruit and Salad bars were however, very good but there was no food available anywhere between 1100-1200, 1700 & 1815 or after 2130. Many people were bemused at the food selection and who knows what the Vegetarian counter was trying to achieve particularly at breakfast. Invariably the 'carvery' meat was tough and overcooked. The à la carte restaurants (restricted to 2 pre-bookable visits per week) provided a standard and range of food more akin to the level required for a '5T' rating. The 'Riviera' sit down snack bar provided the same menu when open with no variation that I could see despite the TUI Blue resort guide listing 1000-1100 Late riser breakfast, 1200-1700 Lunch & 1600-1700 Afternoon snacks. The Airport experience at Sal was truly abysmal inbound and outbound due to their limited capacity to process passengers efficiently. Beware! Unfortunately, the airport is just not geared up to accept the volume of passengers from the small number of flights using it at present. Regrettably, I could not recommend TUI Blue Cape Verde (Sal) at this moment in time due to the underwhelming food at resort and frustrating airport experiences. The resort itself was excellent, clean and tidy but despite this, a '5T' rating is not appropriate for this resort due to the 'non premium' food on offer. I feel rather deflated about this experience. Improvement to the food in line with the ‘5T’ rating of this resort is, in my opinion, absolutely required. Mass Café type buffet food is just not acceptable on this type of premium holiday.

• Sleep Quality
• Cleanliness

Dear Passenger30903760382, Thank you for having chosen TUI BLUE Cabo Verde for your holidays and for the time that you have set aside to share your review with us and with fellow travelers online. We are sad to know that our services did not meet your expectations, it is obviously not the kind of impression that we would like you to retain from our hotel, quite the contrary we do our best to guarantee the satisfaction of our guests. We welcome the constructive feedback and suggestions from our guests as these enable us to gain a clearer insight into the needs and wants of our customers thus allowing us to continue to improve our services. Once again, thank you for your input, we will continue to work hard in enhancing our services and we hope that we can persuade you to return for another visit in the near future and change your perception about us. Kind regards, TUI BLUE Cabo Verde Management Team

Nice hotel Friendly staff and great food selection No signs of any negative stuff we read prior to our first visit The hotels are remote and access to beach is via a walk way where you have to juggle with the locals selling trips The sea is fairly rough but we managed a few days to in the water with the waves We were in block 4 not the best cites by any stretch and hoped we would get a ground floor terrace All in a great place for a restful week nice food something for everyone and staff were friendly always Santa maria is what it is - looked very different to the channel 5 Jane McDonald’s stages tv holiday show.. which was our prompt to book this holiday Very hot and windy plenty of sun cream needed and I generally don’t burn .. 20min trip from hotel to airport Was it worth 6hrs on a plane to get sunshine ? Not sure feels value for money when all said and done

Dear BHX12, Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to accommodate you at TUI BLUE Cabo Verde for your holidays and for having set aside some of your valuable time to share your experience with us and with fellow travelers online. We are glad that you have had a restful stay with us and that the staff friendliness and the food have contributed to this perception too. The wind can be deceiving as the sun can be intense at certain times of the day, it is recommended to always use sun protection to avoid sunburns. We hope that you will be returning for another stay, it will surely be a pleasure to welcome you as our guests again in the future. Kind regards, TUI BLUE Cabo Verde Management Team

Pool service 2 , Restaurants service 3, Reception service 2 . Entertainment 1 A so called 5 star hotel who prides itself in it’s cocktail bars that doesn’t have tomato juice The whole place is very much ‘take it or leave it’s And the TUI rep was so into himself it was an embarrassment

Dear tonyrS6792DU, Thank you for having chosen TUI BLUE Cabo Verde for your holidays and for having set aside some of your valuable time to share your feedback with us and with fellow travelers online. We are sad to know that our services did not meet your expectations. Kindly note that there is a menu at every bar indicating the drinks and juices that we have available. Nevertheless, we have taken note of your comments and will continuously intensify our efforts to enhance our services and ensure the complete satisfaction of our guests. We hope that we can persuade you to return for another visit in the not so distant future and allow us the opportunity to offer you our services again and change your perception about us. Kind regards, TUI BLUE Cabo Verde Management Team

We have just returned from a 10 day stay at the TUI Blue Cabo Verde and I cannot fault the cleanliness of the hotel and grounds. We had a ground floor room which was lovely and again very clean. There were always plenty of sunbeds available around the pools at any time of the day. The staff were always friendly and helpful and we always enjoyed sitting in the Bellini Cocktail bar listening to the early evening entertainment. Our only negatives was the hard sell on arrival to try and get us to upgrade to a junior duplex and then to buy in to the Bikini Beach club, which when you have been travelling for many hours is not welcoming. The food was also not that great, it was often luke warm and overcooked and the same dishes for lunch and dinner, with some very odd choices at breakfast (rehashed vegetables from the day before). The ala carte restaurants were also disappointing, our meal in the Mediterranean Culinarium was extremely rushed, 3 courses in just over an hour is not what I would call a relaxed evening meal. The Casa Nostra Italian meal, was bland and overcooked. Apart from the food aspect I would happily return as everything else was perfect. Rooms: 5/5 | Service: 4/5 | Location: 5/5 Hotel highlights Quiet and very clean

Dear J1882JKsuen, Thank you for having selected TUI BLUE Cabo Verde for your stay and for the valuable time that you have set aside to share your review with us. We are pleased to read that you had a good stay and that the cleanliness and the facilities have all contributed to this positive perception. Our aim is to provide our guests with an ambiance where our guests can unwind and feel at home with us. We also appreciate you bringing our attention into the aspects of our services which can be improved, these have been noted and will be shared with our team so that they can work on improving them. We thank you for your kind feedback and we hope that you will return for another stay in the near future. Kind regards, TUI BLUE Cabo Verde Management Team

First time in Cape Verde and first time at this hotel. We would return as experience was positive. Pros - staff very friendly and attentive - we had a swim up room and this was excellent - room cleaned every day - mini bar was restocked every day too; supposed to be every two days - good choice of food with the main theme changing daily and the snack bar was our main go to for lunch - try the two bookable restaurants; they offer something different and one visit to each is part of the all inclusive package - plenty of sun-beds available each day Cons - shower tray fills up quickly and doesn’t drain quick enough leading to a flood in the bathroom. We just used towels to help with this Trips out - the lemon shark trip was excellent and the marine biologist who was our tour guide was excellent - the adult only catamaran cruise was very windy which spoilt it a little. Didn’t feel this was value for money and wouldn’t do again. Tips - if the mattress is too hard for you, ask for a mattress topper; makes a real difference - If you visit Santa Maria for a spot of souvenir shopping, there are some stalls by the pier (where the Lobster Restaurant is); much more value for money than the shops on the main strip - It can get windy in the evenings so you may need a long sleeve top - you will need insect repellent; lots of people getting bitten - If you are heading out for the day, you can get bottles of soft drinks free of charge from the Bellini bar next to the reception area

Dear iantomp, Thank you for your trust in having chosen TUI BLUE Cabo Verde Resort & Spa for your holidays and for having set aside some of your precious time to share your feedback with us. After reading your description regarding each aspect of our services and the hotel, we are very pleased to read that you have had a positive stay experience with us. We would like to express our appreciation for your kind mention on the different aspects of our services, your feedback will motivate us to continue with our efforts in ensuring the satisfaction of our guests. Thank you once again for your contribution, we hope that you will give us the pleasure of having you as our guests again in the near future. Kind regards, TUI BLUE Cabo Verde Management Team

What is it and will it make fares cheaper?

Tui flight from newcastle to cape verde diverted after 'bird strike'.

A TUI flight from Newcastle Airport to Cape Verde was forced to divert after a "bird strike" incident shortly after take off this morning.

The flight, TOM800, had left Newcastle International Airport at 9.38am on Tuesday, bound for Espargos Airport, the main airport serving the Cape Verde islands off the coast of West Africa. Following the suspected bird strike event, the aircraft circled near Liverpool before making a safe landing at Manchester Airport.

Officials at Manchester Airport confirmed that passengers were allowed to disembark and wait in the departure lounge. It's understood the plane sustained some damage.

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A replacement aircraft was arranged, departing Manchester at 11.50am, which meant travellers from the North East were set to reach their holiday destination just after 7pm on Tuesday. This marks the second time this year that flight TOM800 has had to make an unscheduled landing, in February, the Boeing 737 Max 8 had to cut short its journey to Cape Verde due to a technical issue.

In response to the incident, a TUI spokesperson expressed regret: "We'd like to apologise to customers on flight TOM800 which diverted to Manchester Airport as a precaution following a bird strike. Another TUI aircraft was sourced and the flight has now departed Manchester Airport and is on route to Sal, Cape Verde. We'd like to thank customers for their patience and understanding, and hope they enjoy their holiday."

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