At the core of this vision lies a clear positioning. São Tomé and Príncipe is not aiming for rapid tourism growth at any cost, but for a model that balances environmental protection, cultural heritage, and economic opportunity.

A landmark year for UNESCO recognition

The minister underlined that 2025 marks a historic turning point for São Tomé and Príncipe on the international stage. Earlier this year, the island of São Tomé was officially designated a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, building on the recognition granted to Príncipe Island in 2012. With this decision, São Tomé and Príncipe became the first country in the world to have its entire territory classified as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

“This recognition is the result of many years of work by successive governments, our technical teams and our partners,” the minister said, referring to long-standing efforts to conserve both terrestrial and marine biodiversity.

She described the designation as both an achievement and a responsibility.

“It is a form of recognition for the work done, but it also increases our responsibility to continue protecting our natural heritage,” she explained.

Beyond its symbolic value, the biosphere status is seen as a strategic asset for tourism development. According to the minister, the UNESCO label strengthens the country’s image and credibility as a destination committed to sustainability, helping to attract travellers and investors who share those values.

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Tchiloli joins UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list

The interview took place on a particularly symbolic day for São Tomé and Príncipe. On the same day, Tchiloli, the country’s traditional living theatre, was officially inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list.

“This year will remain historic for our country,” the minister said, referring to the combined recognition of the biosphere reserve and Tchiloli.

Tchiloli is a unique theatrical tradition that blends European medieval narratives with African performance, music, and costumes, passed down through generations. Its inscription highlights the cultural richness of São Tomé and Príncipe and reinforces the country’s commitment to safeguarding living heritage.

The minister also linked this cultural recognition to broader sustainability efforts, including international awards received under the country’s 100 percent Bio strategy, particularly in agroforestry, where traditional practices support biodiversity and food security.

Choosing quality over mass tourism

São Tomé and Príncipe has made a deliberate choice not to pursue mass tourism. With a total surface area of just over one thousand square kilometres, the country is instead focusing on a clearly defined niche of travellers.

“We are not chasing mass tourism,” the minister said. “Our country is small, and we know the environmental consequences that uncontrolled tourism development can bring.”

The government’s strategy targets travellers seeking authenticity, safety, and close contact with nature. Global tourism trends increasingly show interest in lesser-known destinations that offer meaningful experiences rather than volume-driven attractions.

“This is exactly the type of destination São Tomé and Príncipe represents,” she added.

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Restoring historic roças and involving local communities

Rather than expanding through large-scale new developments, the government is prioritising the restoration of existing heritage assets. A flagship example is the rehabilitation of historic roças, former agricultural estates dating back to the colonial era.

“These roças are part of our history,” the minister said. “They allow us to combine heritage preservation with tourism development.”

The approach is designed to ensure that tourism growth is inclusive. Local communities living around these sites are expected to benefit directly through employment and economic opportunities, while also playing a role in protecting surrounding ecosystems.

Eight roças have already been identified under a dedicated programme developed in partnership with Portugal, with investment tenders expected to be launched in 2026.

Presenting São Tomé and Príncipe as an investment destination

At the Brussels forum, tourism was presented as a priority sector for foreign investment. The minister highlighted political stability, a favourable regulatory environment, and legal protections for investors as key strengths.

“In addition to our natural assets, we offer security and stability,” she said. “These are important elements in today’s global context.”

She also pointed to hospitality, biodiversity, and gastronomy as distinctive features that further enhance the country’s appeal to European investors seeking long-term projects aligned with sustainability.

Incentives and legal frameworks for investors

To support investment, São Tomé and Príncipe has put in place a clear legal framework, including an investment code and specific regulations aimed at encouraging foreign direct investment. Fiscal incentives and legal safeguards were presented during the forum by the national investment authorities.

“These frameworks exist to provide clarity and protection for investors,” the minister noted, emphasising the government’s commitment to transparency and predictability.

Improving connectivity to and within the islands

Connectivity remains one of the main challenges for tourism growth. Currently, the primary air connection with Europe is provided by TAP Air Portugal, with around five weekly flights from Lisbon. Additional routes are available via Angola through TAAG, as well as regional connections operated by Afrijet.

“We are aware that connectivity needs to improve,” the minister acknowledged. “If we want the destination to become more accessible and less costly, we must work on this.”

Improving transport links between the islands of São Tomé and Príncipe is also a priority, as both islands form an integral part of the tourism offer.

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A long-term tourism strategy towards 2030

Tourism development in São Tomé and Príncipe is guided by a national strategy first adopted in 2018 and revised in 2023, with a horizon extending to 2030. The strategy defines priorities and actions across infrastructure, heritage, investment, and human capital.

“We already have a strategic document that guides our actions,” the minister said. “Everything we do in tourism must align with that framework.”

Human capital development is another cornerstone of the tourism strategy. A national tourism and hospitality school was inaugurated earlier this year to address skills gaps across the sector.

“Quality of service is essential,” the minister stressed, highlighting the importance of training professionals working in hotels, restaurants, and tourism services.

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Practical information for European travellers

Entry requirements have been simplified for many visitors. Nationals from around thirty countries benefit from visa-free entry for stays of up to fifteen days. For longer stays, visas can be requested online or through diplomatic representations where available.

These procedures apply to both tourists and investors, supporting the country’s efforts to facilitate travel and business.

As global tourism continues to grow beyond pre-pandemic levels, São Tomé and Príncipe is positioning itself not as a destination of volume, but as a destination defined by responsibility, authenticity, and long-term vision.

L’article São Tomé and Príncipe opens the door to responsible tourism investment from Europe est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Although very small, in 2019 the state has been chosen by Lonely Planet as one of the top destinations to visit. São Tomé and Príncipe is a paradisiacal destination, ideal for snorkeling, relaxing on the beach, sunbathing, and hiking. Besides golden, white and black quiet beaches, there are tropical forests with waterfalls and many different animal species. Despite this, only a few tourists visit the country. 

With a surface of 855 km² and a population of 200,000 inhabitants, São Tomé is the largest and the most populated of the two islands, as well as the most developed. Príncipe is, conversely, much tinier (around 130 km²) and heavily forested. Its population counts only 7,000 people. This smaller island is reached by a 35-minute flight from São Tomé. 

Both islands are worth a visit: They offer a variety of activities and landscapes with a unique appeal. Here is a list of experiences in São Tomé and Príncipe.

1. Relaxing on pristine beaches

In both islands there are a plethora of amazing beaches to discover.

In São Tomé you cannot miss Praia dos Tamarindos, one of the island’s best beaches with a beautiful emerald sea perfect for a swim.

Príncipe’s Praia Banana is a beach with pristine water. Its name derives from its banana-like shape. Here you’ll find a small bar and lounge chairs beneath the palm trees. 

Praia Bateria, located in the tiny island of Ilhéu das Rolas, is also worth a visit. This heavenly beach is situated between long walls of rock and it is normally the couple’s first choice.

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Praia Boi, located in Príncipe, is a tropical beach with turquoise water and palms. There are no facilities and there are normally very few people. It can be accessed by car; however, it is better to rely on local assistance to find the way as there are no signs. 

Praia Macaco is a long beach in Príncipe with golden sand. The beach doesn’t have any facilities and is isolated, so make sure to bring everything you need. It also hosts the ruins of a resort that never opened. 

2. Exploring the natural heritage

One of the most famous natural places in São Tomé is the Pico Cão Grande. Literally “Great Dog Peak”, it is a 663 m needle-shaped solid column of magma called phonolite. The magma came out by a volcano whose outer shell has eroded away.

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The island hosts many other phonolites which vary in shape and size, such as the Cão Pequeno (the Small Dog), which has a height of 390 m. 

Also in Príncipe there are huge phonolite rocks, such as the Bais das Agulhas (Bay of Spires), one of the State’s top attractions. The rocks are best seen from the water, where it is possible to admire phonolite towers named the Father, the Son and the Grandson.

3. Chocolate tasting 

During the 15th century São Tomé and Príncipe was a Portuguese colony, full of cocoa plantations thanks to the ideal growing conditions favored by a fertile volcanic soil. In 1913, the African State was the world’s largest cocoa producer. But when the country became independent in 1975, many cocoa plantations were abandoned. However, in recent years some have reopened and are now a major tourist attraction. One of the most famous chocolate laboratories is owned by the chocolatier Claudio Corallo, which has plantations in both islands. Take a tour through his chocolate factory to discover more about chocolate’s production process and taste pure chocolate beans!

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4. Eating local

São Tomé and Príncipe cuisine is a fusion of African and Portuguese flavors: An interesting mix that can’t be missed!

If you like seafood, try Papa Figo. This is a family-run restaurant located in São Tomé and focused on fish. Although the environment’s style is laid-back, its menu is contemporary and has very reasonable prices.

Roça São João is a restaurant in São Tomé with an amazing view towards the sea. The food is a mixture of European, African and São Toméan recipes. The restaurant is run by João Carlos Silva, a TV chef and general culture promoter.

5 Sentidos (literally Five Senses) is a fusion restaurant in the city of São Tomé and one of the top gastronomic options in the area. The menu includes Afro-Portuguese fusion food with beautifully presented dishes.

O Pirata (the Pirate) is a restaurant in São Tomé facing a rusting shipwreck. The place is specialized in seafood, with huge portions. On Friday night the restaurant becomes a night club full of young people.

L’article São Tomé and Príncipe: Africa’s Eden est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.