Cape Verde Tourism Booms: 9% Growth in Q2 2026 Guest Numbers
Cape Verde’s tourism sector continues its upward trajectory, welcoming approximately 277,000 guests in the second quarter of 2026. According to new data released by the archipelago’s National Institute of Statistics (INE), this represents a robust 9% increase compared to the same period last year.
International Visitors Lead the Surge
The vast majority of visitors arrived from international markets, with the United Kingdom maintaining its position as Cape Verde’s most significant source of tourism. British travelers accounted for one-quarter of all arrivals during the quarter, highlighting the strong appeal of the islands to UK holidaymakers.
While guest numbers rose, the total number of overnight stays remained stable at 1.3 million, a negligible decrease of less than 1% compared to 2025. The national bed occupancy rate held steady at approximately 52%.
Sal and Boa Vista Remain Top Destinations
Tourism activity remains concentrated on the archipelago’s famous beach destinations. The island of Sal continues to be the primary draw for visitors, hosting 62% of all tourists. Boa Vista followed as the second most popular destination, accounting for 18% of the total share.
A Vital Economic Engine
Tourism serves as the primary engine of the Cape Verdean economy. Experts attribute the sustained growth in recent years to a strategic increase in air connections between the archipelago and major European hubs, making the sun-drenched islands more accessible than ever.
As the government continues to prioritize infrastructure and connectivity, the sector is expected to remain the backbone of the nation’s economic development.
Image: Pexels – Rob Mowe
