Thanks to the national team's successful performance, travel agencies are noting a significant increase in inquiries about Cape Verde. Marvela Rodrigues, manager at the travel agency PraiaTour, reported this.
Appeal of the Archipelago
The 'Blue Sharks' national team is helping to promote the islands, their beaches, culture, gastronomy, and various experiences the archipelago offers to foreign tourists, including hiking and other forms of ecotourism.
Popular Destinations
Sal and Boa Vista remain among the most sought-after islands due to their developed infrastructure and beaches. However, interest is growing in Santiago, São Vicente, Fogo, and Santo Antão, which attract visitors with their historical and cultural value and natural landscapes, according to Rodrigues.
International Demand
The highest interest comes from tourists from Portugal, France, the United Kingdom, Spain, Germany, and Brazil, as well as the Cape Verdean diaspora wishing to visit the country to reunite with family and friends. Despite the higher number of inquiries, booking growth remains modest.
Expert Opinion and Government Plans
Jemima Asare, sales director at Aventour agency, confirms this trend, noting the growing interest of foreigners in the country and its culture, linking it to the upcoming 2026 World Cup. Although it is too early to determine which island benefits the most, Santiago, São Vicente, Boa Vista, and Santo Antão are among the most popular among this agency's clients.
The government of Cape Verde intends to leverage the international recognition gained through the World Cup to enhance the country's external promotion. A strategy was launched in April that covers periods before, during, and after the competition. This plan involves cooperation with tour operators and holding promotional events in international markets, utilizing the image of the 'Blue Sharks'—the team's images from the game that attracted attention at the island's pavilion in Rio de Janeiro in June.
Tourism Development Prospects
In Marvela Rodrigues' opinion, Cape Verde should capitalize on its newfound fame to improve inter-island air connections and diversify its tourism offerings. She concluded that the current task is to translate this recognition into tangible results.
Tourism is an economic driver for Cape Verde, supported by the increase in flights from Europe, which has stimulated the development of other economic sectors. According to official data, the number of visitors to the archipelago increased by 6% in 2025 compared to the previous year, reaching 1.2 million people.