AGP Executive Report

Tourism Boom: Cabo Verde welcomed a record 1.25 million hotel guests in 2025, up 6% year on year, as solo women increasingly choose the islands. Sal accounts for nearly 60% of hotel arrivals, and the UK remains the biggest source market. Boa Vista Upgrade: RIU has reopened its 1,181-room Riu Touareg after a full renovation, refreshing rooms, restaurants, pools and other facilities and repositioning the resort mainly for families. Tourism Workforce: Cabo Verde’s foreign minister credited a hospitality school backed by Luxembourg with helping train staff for a sector that now welcomes more than 1.2 million tourists annually. Health Watch: UK health officials are investigating drug-resistant Shigella cases, with many of 137 confirmed UK cases linked to travel to Cabo Verde. CAF on Sal: African football leaders met in Santa Maria for a strategy conference that wrapped up October 9, bringing international attention to the island.

Sal Hosts CAF Leaders: The African football body’s strategy conference wrapped up on Sal on October 9, bringing officials to Santa Maria. FIFA President Gianni Infantino praised Cabo Verde’s Blue Sharks and called for more opportunities for young African players. Travel Health: UK health officials investigated 137 cases of drug-resistant Shigella, many linked to travel to Cabo Verde; travellers should follow current health guidance. Tourism Growth: Cabo Verde welcomed a record 1.25 million hotel guests in 2025, up 6% year on year, as Sal attracted nearly 60% of arrivals. The island is also gaining attention from solo female travellers. Resort Update: RIU has reopened its 1,181-room Riu Touareg on Boa Vista after a full renovation, with refreshed rooms, pools and dining spaces. Tourism Skills: Cabo Verde’s foreign minister credited Luxembourg-backed hospitality training with helping the country build the workforce needed to support its tourism boom.

Tourism Growth: Cabo Verde welcomed a record 1.25 million hotel guests in 2025, up 6%, as Sal reports rising interest from solo women travellers. The UK remains the leading source market. Sal in the Spotlight: FIFA and CAF leaders gathered in Santa Maria from October 7–9. FIFA President Gianni Infantino praised the Blue Sharks and called for more opportunities for young African players. Boa Vista Resorts: RIU has reopened its 1,181-room Riu Touareg after a full renovation. The resort has refreshed its rooms, restaurants, pools and other facilities, and now focuses mainly on families. Travel Access: Cabo Verdeans qualify for up to 30 days visa-free in the Philippines, provided they have a passport valid for at least six months and a return or onward ticket. U.S. Visa Costs: Cabo Verde is on the U.S. list of 50 countries whose nationals may be asked to post a bond of up to $20,000 for a visitor or business visa.

Football on Sal: FIFA and CAF leaders gathered in Santa Maria for the Oct. 7–9 strategy conference, where FIFA chief Gianni Infantino praised Cabo Verde’s Blue Sharks and urged more opportunities for young African players. Tourism Boom: Cabo Verde welcomed a record 1.25 million hotel guests in 2025, up 6% year on year. Sal accounted for nearly 60% of hotel arrivals, with resorts reporting more solo women travellers. Boa Vista Upgrade: RIU has reopened its beachfront Riu Touareg after renovating all 1,181 rooms and updating restaurants, pools and other facilities; the resort is now largely family-focused. Tourism Skills: During talks in Luxembourg, Cabo Verde’s foreign minister credited a hospitality school supported by Luxembourg with helping train workers for a tourism industry now welcoming more than 1.2 million visitors annually. Travel Access: Cabo Verdeans are among 46 African nationalities eligible for up to 30 days visa-free in the Philippines, subject to passport-validity and onward-ticket rules. In the Czech Republic, students and researchers from Cabo Verde may qualify for a visa-fee waiver, alongside children under 12.

Travel Access: Czechia says Cabo Verdean children under 12, plus students and researchers, can qualify for a visa-fee waiver under specified conditions. Tourism Growth: Cabo Verde welcomed a record 1.25 million hotel guests in 2025, up 6% year on year. Sal accounted for nearly 60% of hotel arrivals, while a resort on the island reports rising bookings from solo women travellers. Boa Vista Hotels: RIU has reopened its 1,181-room Riu Touareg after a full renovation of guest rooms, restaurants, pools and other facilities. The beachfront resort now focuses mainly on families. Tourism Skills: Cabo Verde’s foreign minister credited a hospitality school backed by Luxembourg with helping train workers for a tourism sector that now welcomes more than 1.2 million visitors a year.

Solo Travel: Cabo Verde is drawing more solo female travellers as tourism hits new highs: hotels welcomed a record 1.25 million guests in 2025, up 6% year on year, with Sal accounting for nearly 60% of hotel arrivals. Travel Access: Cabo Verdeans are among citizens of 46 African countries eligible for up to 30 days visa-free in the Philippines; travellers need a passport valid for at least six months and a return or onward ticket. Resort News: RIU has reopened its 1,181-room Riu Touareg on Boa Vista after a full renovation, with updated rooms, restaurants, pools and other facilities. Cruise Stop: Cape Verde is included on a 371-day Norwegian cruise itinerary visiting 220 ports in 62 countries. Tourism Events: Sal is set to host CAF’s Strategy Conference from October 7 to 9, bringing football leaders to the island. US Travel: Cabo Verde is on the United States’ updated visa-bond list, which can require eligible visitor-visa applicants to post up to $20,000.

Solo Travel: Cape Verde is gaining ground with solo female travellers as tourism hits records: hotels welcomed 1.25 million guests in 2025, up 6% year on year. Sal accounts for nearly 60% of hotel arrivals. Boa Vista: RIU has reopened its 1,181-room Riu Touareg after a full renovation, with upgraded rooms, restaurants, pools and family facilities. Travel Rules: Cape Verdean passport holders are among nationals eligible for up to 30 days visa-free in the Philippines, subject to passport-validity and onward-ticket requirements. Cabo Verde is also on the United States’ visa-bond list, which can require visitor-visa applicants to post up to $20,000. Cruise Calls: A 371-day world cruise includes a stop in Cape Verde among 220 ports across 62 countries. Sun Flights: Manchester Airport’s autumn holiday roundup lists Cape Verde among its sunshine options, alongside fares from £46 return to other featured destinations.

Tourism Demand: Cape Verde is seeing a surge in solo female travellers, with Sal’s The Lagoon Resort reporting a sharp rise in independent women bookings as the country hits record visitor numbers. Hotel Update: RIU has reopened its 1,181-room Riu Touareg on Boa Vista after a full renovation, shifting it to a more family-focused all-inclusive setup. Travel Access: The Philippines expanded visa-free entry (up to 30 days) to citizens of 46 African countries, including Cape Verde, while some major African states remain excluded. Air Safety: A safari plane in Tanzania made an emergency landing after striking a zebra on take-off; all passengers and crew disembarked safely. Policy & Climate: A UN sea-level rise declaration gained legal clarity for vulnerable island states, with Cabo Verde among key facilitators. Sports & Travel Links: CAF confirmed preparations for major 2026 events, including a strategy conference in Sal, Cabo Verde (Oct 7–9). Mobility Watch: South Africa’s passport ranking rose to 86th globally, reflecting broader destination access for travellers.

Hotel & Resorts: RIU has reopened its major Cape Verde flagship, the 1,181-room Riu Touareg on Boa Vista, after a full renovation covering rooms, restaurants, bars, pools and public areas—now positioned as a more family-focused all-inclusive (with a quiet adults-only pool). Travel Access: The Philippines expanded visa-free entry for up to 30 days to citizens of 46 African countries, including Cape Verde, but several countries (notably Nigeria and others) are excluded; travelers still need a passport valid 6+ months and an onward/return ticket. Climate & Coasts: A landmark UN sea-level rise declaration was adopted, with Cabo Verde’s ambassador helping negotiate legal elements—aimed at protecting statehood and legal rights as waters rise. Tourism Safety: A safari plane in Tanzania made an emergency landing after striking a zebra; all passengers and crew disembarked safely. Aviation/Innovation: Japan’s SkyDrive launched a feasibility push with Kansai partners (including MUFG) to move compact eVTOL operations toward commercial deployment in Western Japan. Sports & Tourism Calendar: CAF confirmed the 2026 Awards in Lagos on 7 December and approved changes to interclub competition rules for 2026–2030.

Hotel & Resorts: RIU has reopened its 1,181-room Riu Touareg on Boa Vista after a full renovation, refreshing rooms, restaurants, bars, pools and public areas, and shifting the resort to a more family-focused all-inclusive setup (with a quieter adults-only pool for 18+). Travel Planning: A new UK-focused winter-sun price check flags where breaks are getting cheaper this season, with Cape Verde among the destinations mentioned for shoulder-season options and bargain flight deals from Manchester. Cruise Travel: Norwegian’s “Explorations by Norwegian” is marketing its 371-day, 220-port, 62-country world cruise, including Cape Verde stops, plus shorter itineraries for travelers not ready to commit a year. Visa Rules for Travelers: The US has expanded a visa-bond requirement for B1/B2 tourist/business visas for citizens of 50 countries, with bond amounts up to $20,000—important for planning trips that connect through the US. Cabo Verde in Sport: Cabo Verde hosts Rwanda in a key AFCON qualifier in Praia after a tough start, keeping attention on the islands’ growing football spotlight.

Hotel & Resorts: RIU Hotels & Resorts has reopened the 1,181-room Riu Touareg on Boa Vista after a full renovation, refreshing rooms, restaurants, bars, pools, spa and kids’ areas, and reshaping the concept to be “almost entirely” family-focused (with a quiet adults-only pool for 18+). Travel Finance & Visas: The US has expanded a visa-bond programme for B1/B2 tourist/business visas, requiring eligible applicants from 50 countries to post up to $20,000—while the list notably excludes India; travellers should wait for consular instructions before paying. Cabo Verde in Sports: Cabo Verde hosts Rwanda in the 2027 AFCON qualifier in Praia after a tough start, with the match framed as a chance to bounce back under new coaching. Regional Tourism Context: A Reuters report says Australia’s pre-COP climate diplomacy push for Pacific islands is drawing limited outside-leader attendance, though Cabo Verde is among the confirmed leaders. Broader Travel Watch: A long cruise itinerary from Norwegian’s Regatta includes Cape Verde among many ports, highlighting continued demand for multi-country routes.

Hotel & Resorts: RIU has reopened the 1,181-room Riu Touareg on Boa Vista after a full renovation, refreshing every guest room plus restaurants, bars, pools, spa and kids’ areas; the resort is now positioned as almost entirely family-focused, with one quiet pool still reserved for guests over 18. Sports & Tourism Spotlight: Cabo Verde hosts Rwanda in the 2027 AFCON qualifiers in Praia after a tough start in Mali, with the squad aiming to bounce back at home. Regional Travel Context: Australia’s pre-COP climate push for Pacific islands is drawing limited outside-leader attendance, though Cabo Verde is among the confirmed non-Pacific leaders. Visa Rules Watch: The US has expanded a visa-bond programme for B1/B2 tourist/business visas, requiring up to $20,000 guarantees for citizens of 50 countries—important for travellers planning US trips. Travel Deals Angle: Manchester Airport highlights shoulder-season sunshine routes, including Cape Verde, with fares from £46 return.

Cabo Verde Football: Cabo Verde kick off Matchday 2 of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers at 15:00 in Cidade da Praia, hosting Rwanda after a tough 1-3 visit to Mali; Tony da Silva’s side are aiming to lock in the three points as they adapt to new ideas under Humberto Bettencourt. CAF Competitions: CAF has approved major changes to interclub tournaments for 2026-2030, including allowing players to represent more than one club in the same CAF interclub season and increasing squad flexibility (up to 40 registered players at any point). Travel Deals (Cape Verde in the mix): Manchester Airport is pushing “shoulder season” sunshine with return flights from £46, listing Cape Verde among the options for autumn warmth. Long-Haul Cruise (Cape Verde stop): Norwegian’s 371-day world cruise (Regatta) includes a Cape Verde call among 220 ports across 62 countries—still bookable for a February departure. Visa/Entry Watch: The UK published a list of 45 countries whose citizens need a visa even for landside transit, and Cape Verde appears on it.

Sports & Tourism Spotlight: Cabo Verde’s football story stays front and centre as the Blue Sharks host Rwanda in AFCON 2027 qualifying in Cidade da Praia, with the squad still adapting to new coach Humberto Bettencourt and aiming to bounce back after a loss to Mali. Travel Policy Watch: The US has expanded a visa bond programme for B1/B2 visitor visas, requiring eligible applicants from 50 countries to post up to $20,000—while Cabo Verde isn’t mentioned in the provided list, the move is a reminder to double-check entry costs and rules before booking. Regional Climate Diplomacy: A pre-COP gathering in Tuvalu and Fiji is drawing fewer high-profile leaders than hoped, but Cabo Verde is confirmed among the attending countries—useful context for travellers tracking major events and potential travel demand shifts. Long-Haul Cruise Interest: Norwegian’s 371-day world cruise includes Cape Verde on its 220-port route, offering a rare “see it all” option for travellers planning far ahead. Visa & Entry Planning: Germany outlines Schengen visa fee waivers for certain family members, a practical update for travellers building itineraries across Europe.

CAF & Football Calendar: CAF approved major changes to interclub competitions, including allowing players to represent more than one club in the same season, raising squad flexibility (up to 40 registered players), and routing disciplinary cases to the Disciplinary Board—while confirming the 2026–2030 competition calendar. Cabo Verde in the Spotlight (AFCON): Cabo Verde host Rwanda in AFCON 2027 qualifying after a tough start in Mali, with the Blue Sharks aiming to lock in three points in Cidade da Praia. Travel Policy Watch (US Visa Bonds): The US State Department expanded a visa bond programme for B1/B2 visas, requiring eligible applicants from 50 countries to post bonds up to $20,000—note: India is not on the list, but several African nations are. Climate Diplomacy (Cabo Verde Listed): A pre-COP meeting in Tuvalu and Fiji is drawing fewer high-profile leaders than hoped, but Cabo Verde is among the confirmed outside-Pacific attendees. Tourism & Visas (Ghana): Tourism stakeholders warn Ghana’s high e-visa fee could hurt visitor demand, urging a review to stay competitive. Cabo Verde Travel Angle (Skills & Jobs): A UN feature highlights how Cabo Verde’s Employment Promotion and Training Fund tracks outcomes and boosts employability, offering a model for turning training into real jobs. Cruise Inspiration: A 371-day world cruise by Norwegian’s Regatta includes stops in Cape Verde, alongside ports across 62 countries.

Visa & Travel Rules: The US has added 50 countries to a visa bond programme for B1/B2 tourist and business visas, requiring deposits of $10,000–$20,000; India is not on the updated list, while Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal are included. Schengen Costs: Germany published which family members of German and EU citizens qualify for Schengen visa fee waivers (standard fee is EUR 90). Winter Sun Deals: Manchester Airport is pushing October sunshine with return flights from £46, including options like Cape Verde, Tenerife and Malta. Cabo Verde Football & Travel Timing: Cabo Verde hosts Rwanda in AFCON 2027 qualifying in Cidade da Praia after a tough start in Mali; the match is set for 15:00. Tourism Value Watch: Ghana’s tourism push is being questioned as stakeholders warn its $260 e-visa fee may be too high versus regional rivals, including Cape Verde. Skills for Jobs (Cabo Verde): A UN report highlights how Cabo Verde’s Employment Promotion and Training Fund tracks outcomes and boosts employment rates for trainees.