Cape Verde Tourism Prices Surge 7.5% in Q3 2026
Travelers visiting Cape Verde are facing higher costs as the archipelago’s tourism sector sees a significant uptick in pricing. According to the National Institute of Statistics (INE), prices for tourism services jumped 7.5% year-on-year during the third quarter of 2026.
Breakdown of Rising Costs
The Tourism Price Index (IPT), which tracks the evolution of prices for goods and services typical of tourist spending, revealed that the hospitality sector is leading the surge. Hotels, cafes, and restaurants saw a collective price increase of 7.5% compared to the same period last year. Transportation is also becoming more expensive, with car rental rates rising by 6.4%.
In contrast, the cost of entertainment and cultural activities remained stable, showing no change during the third quarter.
A Critical Economic Pillar
The rising costs come at a time when Cape Verde’s tourism industry is more vital than ever. The sector serves as a primary engine for the nation’s wealth, contributing approximately 25% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This economic activity is heavily concentrated on the popular resort islands of Sal and Boa Vista.
Despite the price hikes, the archipelago continues to see a surge in popularity. In 2025, Cape Verde reached a historic milestone, welcoming a record-breaking 1.25 million guests. As the nation navigates this period of growth, the IPT will remain a crucial tool for monitoring how inflation affects the affordability of one of West Africa’s most sought-after travel destinations.
Image: Pexels – Rob Mowe
