Cape Verde is currently taking part in the ongoing BTL Conference in Lisbon. This prominent tourism fair, the largest of its kind in Portugal, gathers experts from diverse countries to network, engage in open discussions, exchange ideas, and showcase their markets.
Speaking with Voyages Afriq Media, Dr. Carlos Duarte Santos, the Minister of Tourism and Transport of Cape Verde, provided valuable insights into the country’s vision, strategic initiatives, and collaborative efforts aimed at enhancing Cape Verde’s tourism sector.
Dr. Carlos Santos elaborated on Cape Verde’s rebranding initiative, emphasizing the island’s commitment to sustainability and diversification.
“In 2019, we formulated a comprehensive vision for tourism centered around sustainability and diversification. These pillars are fundamental to our strategy. Given this vision and our concerted efforts to develop tourism across all Cape Verdean islands, we recognized the necessity of introducing a new brand to embody these principles,” he explained.
Furthermore, he emphasized the integration of the transport and tourism sectors in Cabo Verde, with ongoing strategic initiatives aimed at improving both domestic and international connectivity.
“At present, concerning internal connectivity, we are focused on establishing a mechanism for public service obligation. Our objective is to designate a single operator, an area operator, responsible for providing public transportation services for passengers and cargo. We are currently developing this concept and gradually drafting legislation for its implementation,” he added.
“We are also in the process of establishing an area company to serve as the primary carrier. This company will operate routes connecting Cape Verde to key destinations such as Portugal, Paris, and Italy. Additionally, this year, we aim to expand our services to Brazil and the United States. Through this network of routes, our goal is to efficiently connect Cape Verde to major markets.”
According to the Minister, Cape Verde is dedicated to strengthening its partnerships with African nations. Its recent memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Mozambique is just one of the collaborative initiatives the island has planned.
“In Africa, we are approaching the market with high expectations. Our goal is to position Sal as a hub for connecting Cape Verde to Africa, the United States, Brazil, and beyond, creating a platform for both passengers and cargo. Currently, we are in discussions with two companies along the west coast of West Africa to explore potential partnerships aimed at improving connectivity. This involves dialogues not only with Senegal but also Ivory Coast and potentially Angola.”
Regarding the MOU signed in Mozambique during the ongoing BTL, it holds significant importance for both Cape Verde and Mozambique due to their shared history and linguistic ties as Portuguese-speaking nations.
“During the 2021 African Ministerial Meeting organized by UNWTO, we committed to exchanging experiences and expertise, particularly in legislative applications and capacity building for our youth in tourism promotion. This memorandum highlights our dedication to mutual growth and progress in the tourism sector,” he explained.
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