Tourism in Cape Verde, government and governance

Abstract

Cape Verde is experiencing an economic and social transformation because of the rapid growth of tourism on the up since 2006 and the inauguration of the international airport in Boa Vista. Currently, this island is already close to its counterpart of Sal and both represent almost all the overnight stays in the Archipelago. Backing tourism was the end result of a political and ideological plan with implications for the Cape Verde society, particularly in Sal and Boa Vista. This plan implied a standardised model of promotionand opening up to international markets, a campaign directed by the State through its municipalities. The Boa Vista and Maio Island Tourism Development Corporation (SDTIBM) is the ultimate example of the implementation of this vision. This paper describes and discusses the country's political process and the governance structures within tourism reflecting on the lessons learnt.