In a property investment linked to holidays, tourism is the engine of demand. The more people visit a place, the greater the demand for accommodation, services and facilities. That is why tourism figures are the first thing to look at. But it is important to know what they say and what they do not.
The key figures
- tourists in Cape Verde in 2024: 1,177,467 (+16.5% on 2023);
- tourists in Cape Verde in 2025: 1,248,052 (+6% on 2024);
- first quarter of 2026: 379,657 tourists, +16.8% on the same period in 2025;
- Boa Vista: 24.4% of arrivals in Cape Verde.
Cape Verde has consistently passed the million-tourists-a-year mark and growth continued into early 2026. Boa Vista is the country’s second island for arrivals: in 2025 it welcomed around a quarter of all guests (24.4%), after Sal.
Source: INE – Instituto Nacional de Estatística de Cabo Verde, guests registered in accommodation establishments.
What these figures tell us
Growth that is not a one-off
The rise from 1,177,467 to 1,248,052 tourists in a year, followed by a first quarter of 2026 that was up again, points to a trend rather than a single peak. Tourism is the main sector of the Cape Verdean economy.
A clear political direction
Growing tourism is a stated priority of the Government, which regards the sector as strategic. For investors this is a contextual signal: the country has an interest in developing infrastructure, transport links and services related to tourism.
Greater international visibility
Cape Verde’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup brought the archipelago’s name to a huge audience. It is an effect that is hard to measure, but it may fuel curiosity about the destination. We discuss it in The 2026 World Cup and Cape Verde.
Why Boa Vista is at the centre
Boa Vista is one of the most touristic islands in the archipelago. It has an international airport with flights from Europe, more than 55 km of beaches and more than 300 days of sunshine a year. It is home to international resorts and a main town, Sal Rei, which is the heart of island life.
For investors, these features matter because they make demand less dependent on a single season than at many European seaside destinations. The comparison with Italy is covered in more detail in holiday property: better abroad or in Italy?.
How to use these figures (and how not to)
What you can infer
- that tourist demand in Cape Verde is real and growing;
- that the country is betting on tourism as its main sector;
- that a well-located property in a tourist area has a solid target market.
What you cannot infer
- what your property will earn: that depends on location, quality, management and the format chosen;
- that growth will always continue at the same pace: nobody can predict that;
- that every area benefits equally: areas close to the sea and to services are usually the most sought after.
Be wary of anyone who turns national figures into promises of returns on an individual property. For the Apart-Hotel, the terms on offer are set out on the The View page and in the comparison between the formats.
What it means for the two formats
- With a traditional apartment, growing tourism may increase letting opportunities, but the management remains your responsibility (see letting a home on Boa Vista).
- With a suite in an Apart-Hotel, tourist demand is captured by a property run by hospitality professionals, as is already the case at the White Hotel, with 69 suites sold and fully operating.
Questions to ask anyone who quotes tourism figures to you
When someone uses these figures to present a property to you, ask:
- How does national growth relate to this particular area of Boa Vista?
- Who will manage the property, and with what experience in tourism?
- What is written in the contract, beyond the forecasts?
The answers will tell you far more than the figures themselves.
The next step
Figures help you understand the context. The decision, however, is made by looking at the property, the contract and the people supporting you. Start with the guide is it worth investing in Cape Verde in 2026? and, if you would like an opinion on your situation, book a consultation or request the presentation of The View.
Frequently asked questions
How many tourists visit Cape Verde each year?
In 2025 Cape Verde welcomed 1,248,052 tourists, compared with 1,177,467 in 2024. In the first quarter of 2026 growth was 16.8%.
What is Cape Verde’s tourism goal?
The Government regards tourism as a strategic sector and aims to grow it further, with a focus on the quality of what is on offer too. It is a sign of how important the sector is to the country’s economy.
Does growing tourism increase property values?
Growing tourist demand is a favourable factor, but not the only one. A property’s value also depends on location, quality, condition and management.
Is tourism on Boa Vista only in summer?
Thanks to the climate, with more than 300 days of sunshine a year, Boa Vista welcomes tourists at many times of the year. Visitor numbers can nevertheless vary from one month to the next.
Would you like to talk it through with a person?
Book a video call or message us on WhatsApp: we will answer your questions about Boa Vista and The View.
