Cape Verde Tourism Hits Record 1.2M Visitors in 2025
Cape Verde’s tourism sector reached a new milestone in 2025, welcoming over 1.2 million guests as the archipelago continues to solidify its reputation as a premier Atlantic destination. According to data released today by the National Statistics Institute (INE), the number of visitors grew by 6% compared to the previous year, totaling 1,248,052 guests.
The surge in visitors was matched by an even stronger rise in overnight stays, which climbed 8.3% to reach a total of 6,120,204. The year ended on a high note, with the fourth quarter emerging as the busiest period, accounting for over 400,000 guests and 1.7 million overnight stays.
Sal and Boa Vista Remain Top Draws
The islands of Sal and Boa Vista remain the crown jewels of the Cape Verdean tourism industry, attracting the vast majority of international visitors. Hotels continue to be the preferred choice for accommodation, capturing 85.2% of all overnight stays, while aparthotels, guesthouses, and inns accounted for the remainder.
International travelers remain the backbone of the sector. The United Kingdom maintained its position as the leading source market, followed by Portugal, Germany, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. Beyond just more people arriving, those who visited stayed longer; the average length of stay rose to 4.8 nights, pushing the national hotel occupancy rate from 60% in 2024 to an impressive 72% in 2025.
A Powerful Economic Engine
Tourism remains the primary engine of the Cape Verdean economy. This recent growth has been largely attributed to the expansion of air routes connecting the archipelago to major European hubs. The influx of international capital continues to provide a vital boost to secondary sectors, including local commerce, transport, and services.
With occupancy rates climbing and stay durations increasing, Cape Verde’s strategy of expanding its reach into European markets appears to be paying significant dividends for the nation’s economic stability.
Image: Pexels – Rob Mowe
