Cape Verde Emerges as Tourist Hotspot in 2014

The incredible archipelago of 10 volcanic islands nestled in the central Atlantic Ocean, known as Cape Verde was firmly under the radar of international tourists throughout the summer of 2014.

Cape Verde enjoyed a massive 27.4% increase in visitor numbers during 2013, attracted by the islands' warm year-round climate, diverse landscape and cultural wealth, particularly in music and growth is set to continue.

The Islands' tourism sector contributes around 10% to the country's economy and visitor numbers have increased from approximately 45,000 in 1997 to more than 115,000 in 2001 rising to 552,144 in 2013, according to the Cape Verdean statistics bureau.

2014 has seen the majority of tourists flocking to what is known as "the sunniest island" - Sal. The approach to the island has been likened to landing on a golden pearl of sand in the middle of the turquoise-blue ocean. Sal, which means 'salt', gets its name from the days when there was extensive salt-mining on the island.

Further growth in Sal's tourism is expected as foreign investment inflows increase, notably from the Hilton Group which has commenced construction of a Hilton hotel in Santa Maria, in the south of the Cape Verdean Island.

The 5-star luxury project is set to cost an estimated €46m and is joint-funded by a local banking syndicate contributing 40% with the remainder provided by Batuque SA, set up by the Hilton Group.

Hilton Group has extensive plans for a chain of luxury hotels throughout Cape Verde with Sal marking the arrival of the world-renowned brand on the islands.

The first Cape Verde Hilton hotel, due for open in March 2016, will have 240 rooms including 21 suites, one of which will be a presidential suite with a total area of 250m², three restaurants, a 1,200m² gym, a business centre and casino.

According to The Economist, "Cape Verde is among the most democratic nations in the world. This country has cast behind its dark past of slave trade and ocean piracy to emerge as one of the continent's most desirable places with beaches, wildlife, food and music on offer."

Foreign investors have been increasingly looking towards this intriguing archipelago for opportunities in the property market, banking on the exponential growth many experts have been predicting for the islands in years to come.