Cape Verde is emerging as one of the biggest winners in global tourism, as new UK travel data reveals a surge in demand - and British holidaymakers are leading the charge.
The latest ATOL licence figures, published in April, show that UK tour operators are now planning to carry a staggering 35.3 million passengers over the next 12 months. That’s a 2% increase since September 2025 - a clear sign that, despite global economic pressures and geopolitical uncertainty, people are not giving up their holidays.
They are simply choosing better.
And increasingly, they are choosing Cape Verde.
Behind the headline figures lies a powerful shift in consumer behaviour. The fastest-growing operators in the UK market are digital-first, value-driven brands - and they are rapidly expanding their Cape Verde programmes.
Love Holidays has posted a remarkable increase of 509,000 additional passengers, a 10% surge that makes it one of the standout performers in the entire market. On the Beach is also accelerating strongly, adding 172,000 passengers - up 7% - as it doubles down on destinations that deliver consistent demand and strong margins.
Both companies are investing heavily in Cape Verde.
This is no accident. It reflects a destination that is getting the fundamentals right - and reaping the rewards.
Cape Verde now welcomes more than 800,000 international visitors each year, with tourism accounting for around 25% of the country’s GDP. Over the past decade, visitor numbers have more than doubled, transforming the islands into one of the most dynamic tourism economies anywhere in the Atlantic.
At a time when some destinations are struggling to recover, Cape Verde is powering ahead.
The reasons are clear. Political stability. A strong safety record. Reliable infrastructure. And a tourism product that delivers exactly what British travellers are looking for: sunshine, simplicity, and value for money.
With flight times of under six hours and only modest time difference from the UK, Cape Verde offers a hassle-free escape - something that is becoming increasingly important in a complicated and unpredictable world.
And the timing could not be better.
Bookings for Summer 2026 are rebounding, driven by aggressive pricing, targeted campaigns, and expanded airline capacity. Tour operators are responding to demand - not creating it. The appetite is already there.
A spokesperson for Cape Verde’s tourism sector said:
“British travellers are sending a very clear message. They want destinations that are reliable, affordable, and enjoyable - and Cape Verde delivers on all three. While others are still talking about recovery, we are seeing real, sustained growth. The latest ATOL figures show that confidence in travel is returning, and Cape Verde is perfectly positioned to benefit.”
Across key islands such as Sal and Boa Vista, hotel occupancy rates remain consistently high, with new developments and infrastructure upgrades ensuring the country can scale without losing quality.
At the same time, the rise of online travel agencies is opening up Cape Verde to a broader audience. Platforms like Love Holidays and On the Beach are making it easier than ever for consumers to compare, book, and travel - driving volume and visibility in equal measure.
This is modern tourism in action.
And Cape Verde is at the center of it.
In a crowded global marketplace, where travelers are weighing every pound and every decision, the islands are standing out for all the right reasons. Not through hype, but through delivery.
The conclusion is unavoidable: while others hesitate, Cape Verde is moving forward - faster, stronger, and with the full backing of the British traveling public.
