(1888PressRelease)
August 03, 2007 - Cape Verde is a former Portuguese colony located in the North Atlantic Ocean, off the western coast of Africa. Situated in a subtropical zone that enjoys temperatures that range from 24°C in January to 29°C in September, Cape Verde is actually a collection of islands - around ten large ones and a number of smaller islets.
It has strong links with Portugal and Portuguese is still the official national language, although day-to-day communication takes place in a local dialect derived from 'proper' Portuguese. According to an international fact book compiled by the CIA, more than 70 per cent of the Cape Verde economy centres on service industries.
This reflects the fact that the islands are enjoying an upturn in popularity as a tourist destination. As well as attracting significant numbers of visitors from the Iberian lands of Spain and Portugal, figures suggest Britons are increasingly looking to Cape Verde for a break in the sun.
Cape Verde's National Statistics Institute recorded a 26.4 per cent rise in the number of tourists in 2006. Research found that the proximity of the islands to Europe - a five to six hour flight - is particularly attractive to holidaymakers.
Property agents Jet2Let have suggested that many Britons who would ordinarily visit somewhere like the Maldives have turned their attention to Cape Verde instead, as it offers similar attractions but is less than half the distance away.
One local tour operator has noticed the increase in the number of British visitors. Jenny Adams of The Cape Verde Experience said there has been "a buzz about the islands for the last year, as Cape Verde continues to be the must-visit destination".
Direct flights to the region from Gatwick and Manchester were launched last year and The Cape Verde Experience says it has already had to increase its flight allocation "due to the demand from holidaymakers".
According to Ms Adams, the Cape Verde islands "appeal to a wide client-base". The fact that it is made up of different islands means that there are diverse attractions and something for everyone.
"Those looking for a pleasant hotel and stress-free beach holiday will not be disappointed by Sal or Boa Vista. Similarly, those seeking exploration and adventure will be well-suited to the various island-hopping itineraries offered by The Cape Verde Experience," she explained.
"Both couples and families travel to the islands, but the former tend to opt for single or twin-centre holidays," she continued, adding that Cape Verde "also has an appeal for special-interest groups - windsurfing, for instance is a popular pastime on Sal and Sao Vicente".
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