Cape Verde Tourism Prices Rise 7.3% in Q1 2026 | Economic Report
Traveling to Cape Verde is becoming more expensive as tourism prices across the archipelago climbed 7.3% in the first quarter of 2026 compared to the same period last year. According to the latest Tourism Price Index (TPI) released by the National Statistics Institute (INE), the jump represents a 1.4 percentage point acceleration over the previous quarter’s growth.
Accommodations and Dining Lead the Surge
The rise in costs was felt across the entire island chain, with the INE reporting price hikes in accommodation and restaurant services on every island. São Vicente saw the most dramatic surge with a 10.2% increase, followed closely by the tourist hubs of Boa Vista (7.8%) and Sal (6.8%). Santo Antão (6.7%) and the capital island of Santiago (3.7%) also saw notable upticks.
Within the accommodation sector, guesthouses experienced the sharpest spike at 12.1%, while hotel rates rose by 10.3%. Travelers also faced higher costs on the road, as car rental prices grew by 6.4%. Conversely, spending on entertainment and cultural services remained stable during the quarter.
A Critical Economic Pillar
Despite the year-on-year increase, prices actually dipped by 0.7% compared to the final quarter of 2025, a shift the INE attributes to normal seasonal fluctuations. However, the overall upward trend highlights the growing demand for the Atlantic destination.
Tourism remains the lifeblood of Cape Verde’s economy, accounting for approximately 25% of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The industry is heavily concentrated on the islands of Sal and Boa Vista, which draw the majority of international visitors. The sector is currently enjoying a period of high performance, having welcomed a record-breaking 1.25 million guests in 2025.
The TPI is a key economic indicator used by the government to track the cost of a representative “basket” of goods and services typically purchased by tourists while visiting the country.
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