Latest Resort News

Investing in Cape Verde is a "wise" Move

3rd February 2010

According to a recent article in the Daily Mail, investing in Cape Verde is a "wise" move, even in the current economic climate

The Daily Mail reported that investors who recognised the potential of the archipelago a few years ago are now enjoying the benefits of the island's rising popularity, and investment today is likely to delivery similar results.

The paper reported that Cape Verde has seen a 22 per cent rise in tourism compared with the previous year. New airports and ferry services are likely to increase this figure further in the future, plus the Government has continued to invest in the infrastructure to help the islands through the downturn.

It was also revealed last month that Cape Verde was to be the sole nation to benefit from funding by the American Government. Good governance, economic development and human rights were given as the reasons for the boost.

Whale Watching in Cape Verde

25th February 2010

One of the most popular excursions for tourists is to go on a whale watching tour and right now there is no better time to go.

Whilst the Islands are famous for great beaches and year round sunshine, there is still plenty to do away from the sun and the sand.

Day trips around the islands, water sports and whale watching are the most popular ways to take a break from relaxing by the pool or sunbathing on the beach – and as you can see from the pictures its well worth it!

On-island infrastructure continues to develop

1st March 2010

The continued investment in Cape Verde is very much evident in the development of the telecommunications sector. This includes a surge in the number of mobile phone users on the island, approximately a three-fold increase from 100,000 to 300,000 since 2006. Manuel Inocêncio Sousa, the Cape Verdean minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Telecommunications noted the “strong growth dynamic” in the sector which, as well as mobile telephony also includes other services such as the Internet, subscription television and voice services over the Internet. “In three years we have doubled or tripled the number of telecommunications services”, noted Inocêncio cited by Cape Verdean news agency Inforpress. In the same period, he said, the total number of subscription television contracts had risen five-fold from 1,300 to around 7,000, whilst the number of Internet subscribers had doubled, rising from 7,000 to 15,000 users. Overall this supports the continued emerging strength of the Islands. There are currently a variety of investment projects with high government spending on utilities, transport and communications

Sol Melia Award

1st April 2010

"The most prestigious award in the tourism industry goes to Sol Meliá - for the second time!"

Sol Meliá has won the Prince Filipe award for the 2nd time. The award is considered the most prestigious and most important within the tourism industry and recognises excellence across a variety of criteria including quality, commitment to innovation and entry into new markets.

Part of the Prince Felipe Business Excellence Awards, the Tourism Award went to Sol Meliá thanks largely to their “continued and intense focus on the implementation of the most modern and innovative features and facilities in its hotels”. The Jury for the award also commented on their achievement “in greater brand recognition” and “the most advanced service concepts as well as a commitment to sustainability and social and cultural responsibility”.

Having been at the forefront of the tourism industry for 54 years, Sol Meliá last won the award 15 years ago, and become the first Spanish company to win it for a second time.

The award demonstrates the quality of the Sol Meliá group who will manage both the Tortuga and Dunas Beach Resorts.

Despite the difficult trading conditions within the industry over the last 2 years, the jury were impressed with the development of the Sol Meliá brand strategy, as well as the growth in customer registrations with industry leading developments in online sales projects.

With regards to their continued globalisation, the jury for the award gave high praise to one of Sol Meliá's most prominent characteristics, the company has successfully opened up new markets such as Bali, where it has developed a model of sustainable tourism over a period of 25 years, a highly successful model to be applied to developments in Cape Verde and other emerging markets.

The award was of course received with a great sense of pride and satisfaction amidst the difficult trading conditions, company Vice Chairman, Sebastián Escarrer said “2009 tested our management ability, our capacity to reinvent our model and our values, and we have come out of it much stronger, more innovative, and more committed to sustainability. This prize is a reward for this effort and encourages us to continue to improve”.

The award also demonstrates exactly why The Resort Group have partnered with Sol Meliá - not only the biggest resort hotelier in the world, but also the very best.

Cape Verde – In a Position of Economic Strength

21st April 2010

It’s been reported this month that Cape Verde’s Government continues to be wholly supportive of foreign investment in property.

A record volume of €2,639m in Foreign Direct Investment was received in 2008. The majority of the Foreign Direct Investment projects are aimed at capturing the increasing number of tourists, by building more luxury hotels and providing tourist services.

The country’s 2009 budget amounted to a total of €480 million; the budget represented an increase of 28.5% on the 2008 figure. Deputy Managing Director of the IMF, Marilo Portugal commented: “Cape Verde’s prudent economic management in recent years is now paying dividends putting the country in a position of strength.”

“The islands have been internationally recognised for the way they have managed inflow of funds and worked hard to reduce domestic debt and build up strong reserves. Cape Verde’s prudent economic management in recent years is now paying dividends putting the country in a position of strength”

Buyer confidence in the paradise archipelago has returned, according to the islands’ most highly respected real estate agent Nôscasa. The number of tourist arrivals in Cape Verde is increasing at an annual rate of 22% and projections suggest that around one million tourists will be visiting the islands every year. Tourism is largely concentrated on the island of Sal which is the most visited island due to its international airport which is receiving numerous flights from Europe. Stays in Cape Verde’s hotel establishments rose 10.6% in 2009.

Cape Verdean Economy to grow 4% to 5% this year

13th May 2010

The Cape Verdean economy should grow between 4 and 5 percent this year, according to the head of the Banco de Cabo Verde.

Carlos Burgo made his comments on Tuesday (12/05/10) when presenting the half-yearly report on monetary policy in Cape Verde, which has already been submitted to the government and parliament.

The report details evolution of the island country’s economic and financial situation in the last six months and looks ahead to the next half-year. Burgo said a slight increase in prices was also forecast, and that the average inflation rate should be between 1.5 and 2.5 percent.

Tourism Increases 5.5% in First Quarter

2nd June 2010

Cape Verde received 92,000 tourists in the first quarter of the year, an increase of 5.5% against the same period of 2009, the National Statistics Institute (INE) said Thursday in Praia.

Figures from the Survey on Movement of Guests showed that in the first quarter of 2010 almost 5,000 more tourists checked in to Cape Verde’s accommodation units than in the same quarter of 2009.

Sal Island remained the preferred destination of most of the visitors, with 45.8 percent of total entries, followed by Boa vista (27.2 percent), and Santiago.

The United Kingdom remained in top spot in terms of number of overnight stays with 25.2 percent of the total, followed by Germany, France, Italy and Portugal.