According to multiple travel industry reports, searches in the United States for “Cape Verde vacation” increased by more than 5,000% compared with the same period last year during the tournament. Expedia also recorded an increase of more than 800% in searches from US users, while TUI reported that searches for Cape Verde doubled compared with June 2025. Interest from Japan rose by 110%.

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The dramatic increase followed Cape Verde’s historic first appearance at a FIFA World Cup. Home to around 560,000 people, the island nation became the smallest country by population ever to reach the knockout stages of the tournament before eventually losing 3-2 to Argentina in the Round of 32 after an impressive campaign that captured international attention.

The Blue Sharks drew with former world champions Spain and Uruguay in the group stage before securing qualification for the knockout rounds. Although their World Cup journey ended against Argentina, their performances turned the country into one of the tournament’s biggest success stories.

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Football puts destinations on the map

The phenomenon illustrates the close relationship between major sporting events and tourism. Travel experts note that global tournaments often introduce destinations to audiences who may never have previously considered visiting them. Once viewers become familiar with a country’s landscapes, supporters and culture through television coverage, curiosity frequently extends beyond football to holidays, local traditions and attractions.

Andrew Harrison-Chinn, Chief Marketing Officer at Dragonpass, said the tournament had transformed Cape Verde from a relatively overlooked destination into one that many travellers were actively researching. He noted that the country was well positioned to convert this interest into bookings because it already offers a well-established tourism product centred on year-round sunshine, beaches and all-inclusive resorts.

Psychologist and travel adviser Dr Tracy King also points to what psychologists describe as the “mere exposure effect”, whereby repeated exposure to a destination makes it feel more familiar and therefore more attractive to potential visitors.

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A tourism industry ready to benefit

Tourism already plays a central role in Cape Verde’s economy, accounting for around one-quarter of national economic activity.

According to the country’s National Institute of Statistics, hotels welcomed more than 1.24 million guests in 2025, an increase of 6% over the previous year. European visitors continue to dominate arrivals, particularly from Portugal, France, the United Kingdom, Spain and Germany.

The World Cup exposure could help diversify those markets. The United States accounted for just 1.1% of foreign hotel guests last year, suggesting there is considerable room for growth if increased awareness translates into actual bookings.

Local travel agencies have already reported a noticeable increase in enquiries from prospective visitors interested in both the country’s beaches and its culture, although they say it remains too early to identify a significant rise in confirmed reservations.

Industry representatives argue that the challenge now is to convert international visibility into long-term tourism growth through stronger destination marketing, improved air connectivity and a broader range of visitor experiences.

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More than beaches

While the islands of Sal and Boa Vista remain Cape Verde’s best-known holiday destinations thanks to their beaches and resort infrastructure, tourism professionals believe the country’s diversity could encourage visitors to explore beyond traditional package holidays.

Santiago, home to the capital Praia and the country’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a rich cultural experience. São Vicente is renowned for its music scene, carnival traditions and nightlife, while Santo Antão attracts hikers with its dramatic mountain landscapes. On Fogo, visitors can explore the country’s active volcano and vineyards growing at high altitude.

Travel specialists increasingly see Cape Verde as appealing to travellers seeking alternatives to more established island destinations such as the Canary Islands or the Caribbean, combining outdoor adventure, culture and authentic local experiences with year-round warm weather.

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Curiosity must become arrivals

Despite the remarkable increase in online interest, industry observers caution that search data does not necessarily translate into visitor numbers.

There is not yet any post-World Cup evidence showing sustained increases in bookings, tourist arrivals or tourism revenue directly linked to the tournament. Whether Cape Verde can turn its football success into lasting economic gains will depend on how effectively it capitalises on its newfound international profile.

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Nevertheless, the World Cup has delivered something that conventional marketing campaigns often struggle to achieve: global attention. For a country of just over half a million inhabitants, that visibility could prove to be one of the tournament’s most valuable legacies.

L’article Cape Verde’s World Cup debut sparks 5,000% surge in US travel searches est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

In February 2026, a group action was presented before Judge Master Mark Gidden, who ordered a six-week High Court trial to take place at the end of 2027. The personal injury case against TUI initially concerned some 300 people who stayed at the 5-star Riu Palace Santa Maria Hotel in Cape Verde in 2022 and experienced stomach issues following their stay, allegedly caused by the circumstances they encountered at the hotel.

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The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) published findings in February 2026 from an investigation launched in October 2025, identifying 112 reported cases of Shigella and 43 cases of Salmonella.

Since then, many others have joined the group action according to the lawyers at Irwin Mitchell. Some 1,700 people have contacted the law firm after becoming ill during a TUI holiday on Cape Verde, and some of them developed symptoms following a stay as recent as March 2026.

“Many of our clients for whom we’ve issued legal proceedings on behalf of continue to suffer from debilitating symptoms linked to their illness. While it’s too late for those we represent in terms of their holiday being ruined by such illness, we’re determined to provide them with the answers they deserve and, where appropriate, access to ongoing support and treatment they may require,” said Jatinder Paul, lead lawyer of the group action.

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Holidaymakers report contracting gastric illnesses, including E coli, Salmonella, and Shigella, as well as parasitic infections such as Cryptosporidium. Overall, the lawyers believe eight Britons have died after a Cape Verde holiday in recent years.

“We are deeply saddened by the reports of these tragic losses and extend our sincere condolences to the families affected. While we cannot comment on individual cases, customer health and safety are always our highest priority. We have established procedures in place to support any customer who becomes unwell while on holiday, including access to appropriate medical care and assistance in resort. We continue to follow FCDO advice and engage with hotel partners and relevant authorities where appropriate,” a Tui spokesperson commented on the matter.

Since 2022, when the first outbreak allegedly took place, over one million holidaymakers have travelled to Cape Verde with TUI.

L’article Over 1,700 Brits join class action against TUI over Cape Verde illness outbreak est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The newly opened property, located above Laginha Beach in the port city of Mindelo on São Vicente island, represents Marriott’s first hotel in Cape Verde and its 500^th select service hotel in the EMEA region (Europe, Middle East and Africa). It also marks the debut of the Four Points by Sheraton resort brand in Africa. 

The 127-room resort is positioned within a crescent-shaped bay in one of Cape Verde’s cultural hubs, known for its vibrant music scene and annual carnival celebrations. The hotel blends modern design with local influences, incorporating wooden furnishings, patterned cement tiles and decorative elements inspired by the island’s architecture and artistic heritage. 

“Cape Verde is known for its vibrant spirit, natural beauty and growing global appeal, making it an exciting addition to our network of global destinations,” said Sandra Schulze-Potgieter, Vice President, Premium, Select & Midscale Brand Management, EMEA at Marriott International. “São Vicente is the ideal destination for us to introduce Four Points by Sheraton’s first resort in the region, offering an authentic sense of place paired with breathtaking vistas along with the brand’s genuine service, comfort and modern style.” 

The resort features a curated art collection that includes works by artist Raya Salman and photographer Joe Wuerfel, whose images capture the soul of Cape Verde. The hotel also presents select pieces by Cape Verdean artists, reinforcing a strong connection to local creative expression.

The property offers a mix of leisure and business facilities, including an infinity-edge pool, spa, fitness centre and conference spaces with meeting rooms and event areas. Dining options include an all-day restaurant, a poolside lounge and a rooftop bar, while a skybridge provides direct access to the beach. 

Schulze-Potgieter added that the opening reflects increasing demand for modern and consistent hospitality offerings across emerging destinations. The company’s select service segment now accounts for more than 30 percent of its EMEA portfolio, underlining the strategic importance of such developments.

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The launch is also seen as a sign of growing international interest in Cape Verde as a tourism destination. The archipelago has gained attention in recent years for its natural landscapes, cultural richness and expanding infrastructure, attracting both leisure travellers and business visitors. 

With its entry into Cape Verde, Marriott continues to strengthen its footprint in Africa, positioning the new São Vicente resort as a gateway for further growth in the region.

L’article Marriott enters Cape Verde with Four Points by Sheraton São Vicente Resort opening est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.