Cabo Verde’s inspiring focus on ethical and harmonious tourism
Me and my colleague Harry recently stepped off the plane in Sal to discover Cabo Verde with our colleagues from Travelinsight, the French representative agency, at the invitation of our newest client, Cabo Verde. My first impression? A dry, flat island with beautiful, vast beaches – the perfect setting for a winter sun holiday at one of the many all-inclusive resorts. A lovely place to enjoy winter sun but the Instituto do Turismo de Cabo Verde (ITCV) has other ambitions. This tourist board is fully committed to ethical and harmonious tourism. From eco-responsible accommodations to guided hiking trails led by locals, their mission is clear: Cabo Verde must become a model for sustainable tourism, with tangible benefits for local communities. Even though Sal is known for its resorts, the island immediately won my heart with the bay of baby sharks, traditional salt mining, the colorful street art in Espargos, and the delicious local restaurants. Each one offered an authentic experience that showed me how even on a more touristy island, the local culture thrives.
Next, we traveled to São Vicente, the musical soul of Cape Verde. Guided by the charismatic singer Edson Oliveira, we experienced the raw beauty of this island with its dark, rugged peaks and beaches. The capital, Mindelo, on the other hand, is charming and colorful, with historic Portuguese buildings, a lively market, and numerous bars and restaurants. The ferry ride to Santo Antão was a smooth experience despite the waves. Once there, once again, a completely different world awaited me. Black, volcanic, but interspersed with deep green valleys. This is the "garden of Cabo Verde," where fresh vegetables and fruits depart for the other islands every morning. For hikers, this is paradise; from beginners to hardcore trekkers, everyone finds their perfect trail here. Staying amidst this breathtaking nature, at Aldeia Panorâmica, was an experience in itself.
Back in the office and still filled with all the impressions, the delicious cuisine, the wonderful encounters, and the natural beauty that surpassed my already high expectations, TravelProof is even more committed to supporting ITCV in their ambitions!
