Enthusiasts travel from all over the world to fish in the Cape Verde Islands. A number of exotic species exist. For the very best fishing, the locals reckon that Sao Nicolao has the best marlin or whale sharks. You can also embark on trips from Sao Vicente. There are half day or day trips from Santa Maria, Sal .Sport game fishing business is rapidly expanding in Cape Verde.
If you require further information please contact us here to speak with our team today.
LONDON, December 19, 2011 /PRNewswire/ —
When all the turkey has been eaten, the last Christmas cracker pulled and 2011 starts to draw to a close, as well as New Year resolutions, people will start thinking about where to jet off to on their summer holidays. So where will the Great British public be heading in 2012 and what trends will we see in the travel market? Thomson and First Choice have put together their predictions of what the year ahead will have in store.
Booking trends
Although money will continue to be tight for many households, people will not be willing to forgo their annual break in the sun and would prefer to save in other areas. While still escaping to the sun, customers will be looking for quality breaks away in 2012, which are unique and offer great value for money.
First Choice expects more holidaymakers to select All Inclusive hotels next summer as people will be looking to have more control of their holiday budget. First Choice will become the Home of All Inclusive in 2012 as it becomes the first large tour operator to sell 100% All Inclusive holidays, so it should be the first port of call for anyone looking for this type of holiday.
The trend for flexibility will continue, as more holidaymakers will be looking for more 10 and 11 night holidays, as one week is too short or they are concerned about leaving their job for a full two weeks.
Thomson and First Choice also expect to see an increase in demand for their unique holiday concepts such as Sensatori,Couples, Families, Holiday Villages and SplashWorld, as Brits look to spend their hard earned cash on a holiday that can’t be found anywhere else.
Destinations
Traditional Mediterranean getaways are also tipped to be the top hot spots for Summer 2012. Brits will be flocking to book holidays to the Balearics and mainland Spain, which they know and trust. However, Thomson and First Choice also expect to see a surge in popularity for up and coming destinations like Cape Verde, Jamaica and Croatia. Mexico is also set to be a top choice for 2012, as it offers real luxury in a stunning location at good prices.
Cruising
There has also been a lot of speculation in the media about Libya having the potential to be a hot tourist spot in the future.Thomson Cruises agrees and it has already been scoping out itineraries that will include ports of call in Libya as well asAlgeria and the Black Sea for Winter 2012/13.
Thomson Cruises also expects to see a very strong demand for cruises departing from the UK next year, particularly with “new to cruise” customers that prefer not to fly and from existing cruisers who live within close proximity to Harwich and Newcastle. It also predicts there will be a trend for more adventurous and unusual cruises as new and traditional cruisers want to visit some of the least discovered destinations in Europe and North Africa.
Where to go to in 2012
The Balearic Islands: Menorca, Majorca and Ibiza
Traditional Mediterranean destinations such as Menorca, Majorca, and Ibiza have always been a favourite holiday hotspot amongst Brits, and are continuing to become more popular as market volume continues to grow. Menorca is the perfect spot for anyone looking for a beach holiday, as the island has more beaches than any other island in the Balearics, so there’s a huge emphasis on relaxation. Majorca has a great variety of things to do, whether it’s partying in Magaluf, or enjoying gorgeous tapas food in Palma, there’s something for everyone. Ibiza to some may evoke images of wild nights out, however the island has a lot more to offer, such as white sand beaches, a beautiful countryside, and delicious fresh seafood. Thomson has introduced Thomson Family units in each of the Balearic Islands which are proving to be popular with customers with families. Thomson Family resorts are designed to keep the whole family happy, and every hotel in the collection has a 4T or 5T rating.
Thomson offers seven night family holidays to Menorca staying at the 4T Victoria Playa on an all inclusive basis, from £780 per person, with the first child from £465, and second child from £570. Price is based on a family of four sharing, and includes flights departing from London Gatwick airport on 22 August 2012 and transfers. To find out more or to book this holiday visit http://www.thomson.co.uk or call +44(0)871-231-5595.
Thomson offers seven night family holidays to Majorca staying at the 4T AparthotelAlcudia Pins on an all inclusive basis, from £899 per person, with the first child from £570, and second child from £655. Price is based on a family of four sharing, and includes flights departing from London Gatwick airport on 13 August 2012 and transfers. To find out more or to book this holiday visit http://www.thomson.co.uk or call +44(0)871-231-5595.
Thomson offers seven night family holidays to Ibiza staying at the 4T Hotel Presidente on a half board basis, from £690 per person, with the first child from £465, and second child from £570. Price is based on a family of four sharing, and includes flights departing from London Gatwick airport on 22 August 2012 and transfers. To find out more or to book this holiday visit http://www.thomson.co.uk or call +44(0)871-231-5595.
Cape Verde
Cape Verde is a particularly new tourist destination but it’s already proving popular as Brits seek to discover these exotic islands. Cape Verde is made up of ten tiny islands, but the islands of Sal and Boa Vista are the most popular amongst holidaymakers. The islands are just off the west coast of Africa and comprise of an exotic mix of African, Brazilian, and Portuguese cultures. The secluded islands are natural, un-built upon and beautiful, and you’re guaranteed untouched white beaches.
RIU hotels are popular with customers travelling to Cape Verde, especially the 5T RIU Touareg.
New for the First Choice Summer 2012 programme is the 4Sun OasisSalinasSeas, which is part of the First Choice Premier collection.
Thomson offers seven night holidays to Cape Verde staying at the 5T RIU Touareg on an all inclusive basis, from £819 per person. Price is based on two adults sharing, and includes flights departing from London Gatwick airport on 03 May 2012 and transfers. To find out more or to book this holiday visit http://www.thomson.co.uk or call +44(0)871-231-5595.
First Choice offers seven night holidays to Cape Verde, staying at the 4T OasisSalinasSeas, on an all inclusive basis from £839 per person. Price is based on two adults sharing, and includes flights departing from London Gatwick airport on 11 June 2012 and transfers. To find out more about this holiday or to book visit http://www.firstchoice.co.uk or call +44(0)871-200-7799.
Croatia
Croatia is an up and coming destination for holidaymakers. Croatia is all about the cafe-lined cobble streets, boats bobbing in harbours and the beautiful countryside. There are traditional towns, modern holiday resorts, pebbly beaches and charming fishing villages. Croatia is a fabulous destination for anyone who is looking for culture, and there’s something to suit everyone with a great choice of all inclusive hotels, private villas, or self catering apartments.
Thomson offers seven night holidays to Croatia staying at the 3T Hotel Park on a half board basis, from £595 per person. Price is based on two adults sharing, and includes flights departing from London Gatwick airport on 05 June 2012 and transfers. To find out more or to book this holiday visit http://www.thomson.co.uk or call +44(0)871-231-5595.
Mexico
Holidays in Mexico look set to be a big destination for 2012. Mexico has it all – delicious food, great weather, plenty of excursions day and night, and beautiful beaches. Mexico is known for its sleek all inclusive beach resorts, so it’s the perfect destination for anyone who wants to relax in luxury. An extremely popular hotel is the 5T Sensatori Mexico which is the ultimate luxury escape, situated on a beautiful beach it has a lagoon like swimming pool and six gourmet restaurants. Sensatori hotels, which are exclusive to Thomson, are all about the senses and are not only prefect for couples but also have separate child areas and clubs to cater for families.
Thomson offers 14 night holidays to Mexico staying at the 5T Sensatori Mexico on an all inclusive basis, from £1519 per person. Price is based on two adults sharing, and includes flights departing from London Gatwick airport on 07 June 2012 and transfers. To find out more or to book this holiday visit http://www.thomson.co.uk/sensatori or call +44(0)871-231-5595.
Jamaica
Jamaica looks set to be another big destination for 2012 as the Jamaicans get set to takeover London for the Olympics. The Jamaicans are going to be the team to watch during the Olympics thanks to the big personalities on their team and due to the carnival atmosphere they bring to the events. Thomson thinks that travelers will want to carry on the party after the Olympics by heading over to Jamaica to see where stars like Usain Bolt grew up and train. The atmosphere is sure to be electric in the lead up to the Olympics too, as the island gears up to watch their nation shine! For Winter 2012 Thomson has new 10 and 11 night duration holidays in Jamaica. A hotel in Jamaica that’s set to be popular for this summer is the 5T Secrets St. James Montego Bay, which is part of the Thomson Couples collection.
Thomson offers seven night holidays to Jamaica staying at the 5T Secrets St. James Montego Bay on an all inclusive basis, from £1479 per person. Price is based on two adults sharing, and includes flights departing from London Gatwick airport on 19 June 2012 and transfers. To find out more or to book this holiday visit http://www.thomson.co.uk or call +44(0)871-231-5595.
Programme changes for 2012
As part of the long haul programme for Winter 2012, Thomson has introduced new 10 and 11 night durations in Jamaica and the Maldives. It extends Thomson’s collection of 10 and 11 night long haul holidays that already includes Florida, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic. Excitingly the first Thomson’s Couples hotel is also being introduced in Aruba for summer 2012, in the form of the 4T BucutiBeach Resort. Prices starting from £1399, this is a romantic retreat set on one of the Caribbean’smost beautiful beaches. Thomson offers the only direct flight to Aruba from the UK.
Thomson Cruises Ex-UK Cruises
For Summer 2012 Thomson Cruises has reintroduced cruises from the UK on Thomson Spirit. Based in Newcastle from May to July 2012 and Harwich in August and September 2012, customers can simply drive to the port, climb aboard and start enjoying their Thomson cruise without having to fly from the UK. Thomson Spirit will sail 16 different ex-UK itineraries, taking in 39 destinations and providing a great selection of3-14 night cruises. Prices start from just £629 per person based on 2 adults travelling on the 6 night ‘Magic of the Fjords’ cruise from Harwich on 26th August 2012.
SOURCE: http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/top-trends-for-2012-135858778.html
Praia, Dec 19 (Prensa Latina) The government of Cape Verde is working to reduce the unemployment rate, which affects 10.7 percent of the labor force in the country, which has a population of more than 500,000, official sources said.
Prime Minister Jose Maria Neves said after signing an agreement on decent work with the International Labor Organization (ILO) that this situation “does not please us and makes us understand that the first decency is to achieve full employment.”
Neves also favored improving the working conditions of thousands of employees in this African country.
The government is modifying the labor legislation to guarantee stability and the gradual improvement of the quality of life in Cape Verde, the prime minister added.
On the other hand, he noted that salaries have increased in recent times, and that the government has taken into account gender equality and environmental conditions in the workplace.
The agreement signed between the ILO and the government of Cape Verde promotes access to the labor market on equal conditions, equality and security.
The ILO committed to supporting projects in Cape Verde, including designing labor policies and building capacities in that field.
SOURCE: http://www.plenglish.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=460935&Itemid=1
The singer, who brought the melancholy music known as “morna” to international audiences and received a Grammy in 2003, was hospitalized on Friday with respiratory failure, heart problems and pulmonary edema. She died at dawn on Saturday in her hometown of Mindelo on the island of Sao Vicente, Cape Verde’s state broadcaster reported on its website.
Evora had canceled several concerts before announcing the end of her career on September 23 because of health problems. In recent years she had undergone a number of operations, including open-heart surgery in May 2010.
Her last tour was scheduled to take her to Armenia, Romania, France, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
According to her official website, Evora began her singing career in the 1960s, and was known for singing morna, songs that told sentimental stories of disappointment and expressed the remoteness of the archipelago of Cape Verde, in the Atlantic Ocean off the western coast of Africa.
She was born on August 27, 1941, and started singing in the bars of Mindelo as a teen, when Cape Verde was still part of Portugal. In 1985 she performed in Lisbon, which led to an invitation to record in Paris.
Her first album, 1988’s “La Diva Aux Pieds Nus,” named after her preference for performing without shoes, brought Evora her first international success as a recording artist.
In the early 1990s she became a leading figure in the world-music scene with the albums “Mar Azul” and “Miss Perfumado,” featuring songs such as “Sodade” and “Cesaria.”
Since then she filled concert halls around the world and became the best-known export of Cape Verde, singing mainly in the Creole language of her native country.
After receiving several Grammy nominations, she was awarded the prize in the World Music category for her 2003 album “Voz d’Amor.”
Her last studio album, “Nha Sentimento,” was released in 2009.
SOURCE: http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/12/18/us-cesariaevora-idUSTRE7BH0T920111218
São Vicente celebrates two lavish festivals every year, during the August full moon, a beach and music festival attracting musicians and visitors from all over the archipelago and in mid-February, the exotic carnival with Brazilian influences.
The most popular feast in São Vicente is the São Vicente Creole Carnival. Held every February 16th, it us inspired by Brazilian carnivals with the influence of Portuguese history. The largest of the celebrations can be found in the town of having street parades that are very popular amongst the Cape Verdeans and tourists.
During the August full moon is the São Vicente Baia das Gatas Festival; this usually takes place on a long weekend — a real party.
Among a few festivals celebrated in Boa Vista is the common music festival that takes place in Santa Cruz in August and The day of Santa Isabel, the island’s patron saint, which happens in July 4th. It is celebrated with a public ball, processions, swimming and horse racing.
A few festivals celebrated on Sal includes the Nossa Sra. De Piedade (Our Lady of Pity) on August 15th with a Holy Mass, processions, swimming contests and music festival on beach with local musicians.
Another music festival is the Santa Maria Festival (Municipality Day) during September 15th.
There are also a few festivals that take place on Santiago. One is the Gamboa Festival in May, held in the bay of San Fransisco. Having many different musicians from other countries it is perhaps the biggest music festival in Cape Verde.
Another takes place in Assomada, a celebration of the liberation of slaves called the Tabanka in June or July.
Closest to the African mainland with 55 kilometers of the archipelago’s most stunning beaches, Boa Vista is not only renowned for its stunning beaches and marine lifestyle, it also offers a quiet and low key nightlife with its local restaurants and bars.
Another must-visit place in Boa Vista is Praia da Chaves; an old ceramic factory covered in sand and is still intact with machines in situ. Boa Vista is quite literally covered in sand, having a lot of buildings buried in it, Praia de Chaves is a perfect example, exhibiting the scenery of Sahara like dunes on the island’s interior with sprouting date palms — it is a well worth visit.
Turtles can also be spotted on the island’s southern beaches. Being thought to be the third most important loggerhead nesting site in the world, turtles can be seen nesting usually during the months of June through to September.
Miles and miles of unspoilt coast line make the island a perfect place for uninterrupted walks. Boa Vista is a popular location for windsurfers and many other water sports enthusiasts along with the quad biking tourists and line & deep-sea fishing fanatics.
Among a few festivals celebrated on the island is the common music festival that takes place in Santa Cruz in August and The day of Santa Isabel, the island’s patron saint, which happens in July 4th. It is celebrated with a public ball, processions, swimming and horse racing.
In addition to turtles on the beach you may catch a glimpse of whales in the islet of Sal Rei, a feeding ground for humpback whales and a magical sight if you are lucky enough to experience it. Whale sightings usually take place from December through to February but are gone by the spring.
Cape Verde is an island archipelago that was uninhabited until the Portuguese arrived in 1462. The sailors brought with them African slaves, and the islands’ population became mixed with elements of both races. Climate conditions made the islands unhospitable, and the Portuguese governments mostly ignored the inhabitants and the frequent droughts and famines that wracked the islands periodically. As a result, there are now more Cape Verdeans abroad than at home, and sizable communities exist inNew England, Portugal, Wales, Senegal, Italy, France and the Netherlands.
Morna is by the most popular genre of Cape Verdean music, and it has produced an international superstar in Cesária Évora. Morna is a national song-style, like Argentinian tango, beloved by Cape Verdeans across the many islands of the country. It is related to Portuguese fado and its close cousin, Brazilian modinha. Lyrics are usually in Creole, and reflect highly-variable themes, including loveand lust, patriotism and mourning.
Morna is believed to have originated on Boa Vista as a cheerful song-type. Eugénio Tavares was an influential songwriter of the period, and his songs are still extensively performed. Morna also spread to São Vicente, and composers like B. Leza and Manuel de Novas became popular. Solo vocalists are accompanied by a guitar, violin, bass guitar) and a piano. The cavaquinho (similar to a ukulele), a Portuguese instrument, is also common.
Aside from Évora, popular morna musicians include Ildo Lobo, Titina, Celina Pereira, Bana, Djosinha, B. Leza, Travadinha, Sãozinha and Maria Alice.
Funaná is an accordion-based genre from Santiago. Prior to independence, funaná was denigrated by colonial authorities, who considered it African. Since independence, however, bands likeBulimundo adapted the music for pop audiences and Finaçon, who combined funaná and coladeira into a fusion called funacola.
In the 1930s, Morna evolved in a swifter form of music called coladeira. It is a more light-hearted and humorous genre, with sensual rhythms. Performers include Codé di dona, Manuel de Novas, Frank Cavaquim, Djosa Marques and Os Tubarões.
Batuque is also popular in Cape Verde. Originally a woman’s folk music, batuque is an improvised music with strong satirical or critical lyrics. In the 80’s, Orlando Pantera has created the “new batuco” (neo-batuku), but he died in 2001 before to achieve his creative work. Performers and songwriters are Pantera, Vadú, Tcheka, Mayra Andrade, Lura, Zeca di nha Reinalda.
Coladeira is a form of dance and music from Cape Verde.
Zouk is a style of rhythmic music originating from the Caribbean islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique. Zouk means ‘party’ in the local creole of French with English and African influences, all three of which contribute the sound. In Europe, it is particularly popular in France, while on the African islands of Cape Verde they have developed their own type of Zouk.
As it was said before, from the 80’s there is a strong influence from the zouk in Cape Verdian music. There has been fusion of the zouk with the coladeira, to what several names have been given ascola-dance, cola-zouk, cabo-swing, cabo-love, etc. Cabo-zouk (from the islands’ Kriolu name Cabo Verde), cola-zouk (from coladeira), or cabo-love (from zouk-love, the slowed down and sexed up zouk variant).
Cape Verdian zouk musicians include, singer and Kora Award winner Suzanna Lubrano, Frank de Pina, Mendes Brothers (and their influential record label, MB Records), Saozinha, Creole Sextet andRui Pina.
There are many Cape Verdeans living abroad, especially in the United States, where they are concentrated in California, Hawaii and throughout New England, especially Rhode Island and Boston. Many came on whaling ships in the 19th century. Their music included string bands like The B-29s, Notias, Augusto Abrio and the Cape Verdean Serenaders. There were also Cape Verdean big bands, including the Creole Vagabonds and the Don Verdi Orchestra.
500km far from Senegal there is an archipelago where Wahoo fish rules. The challenge of this episode is the capture of a 45lbs Wahoo fish in a week.
In recent times the government earmarked 4 islands for tourist development, Sal, Boa Vista, Maio and Santiago. Major developments are already underway on these islands and they are proving to be popular with British and Irish investors who will be expecting excellent rental incomes and capital growth in the near future. However, other islands in Cape Verde are starting to develop tourist areas as well and the most exciting new projects to be found over the next few years are in Santo Antao and Sao Vincente. The government is keen for overseas investors to fund the growth and development of the visitor accommodation and hotels sector. Tourism numbers to Cape Verde are increasing and according to the latest official statistics, tourist arrivals continue growing at a fast rate and it is projected that Cape Verde will reach the benchmark of plus 1 million tourists annually by 2015. In time as the Cape Verde Islands become better known and the tourism infrastructure continues to develop, prices of both property and land will rise accordingly.Now is the time to invest in this emerging market before it becomes established as an international tourist destination.
The Cape Verde government welcomes foreign investors knowing that it will boost economic growth through job creation and capital investment. Recent legislation has allowed foreign investors to own land outfight and gives long tax holidays and reductions to tourism businesses. Other incentives allow all net revenues to be transferred out of the country and residency for business owners. The National Development Plan has allowed the tourism infrastructure to be developed and its legacy includes new roads, up rated electricity supplies, water desalination plants for improved water supply and the building of new international airports.
There is also the bonus of the strong possibility that Cape Verde will be rapidly included into the EU and the benefits that will bring with it. Portugal and Spain are sponsoring the islands in Brussels to join the other Atlantic archipelagos, the Canaries, the Azores and Madeira in the EU. The local currency the ‘Cape Verde Escudo’ is fixed to the Euro at 1Euro=110cve a sure step to inclusion within EU soon. Cape Verde is also starting to cut ties with Africa in favour of Europe.
Prices are relatively inexpensive and Cape Verde remains cheaper than resorts in the Mediterranean or The Canaries for both property and land. At the moment there are a small number of mortgages available in Cape Verde and many properties are sold ‘off plan’. Prices start at 44,000 euros for a one bed apartment or 29,000 euros for a small plot of well placed building land. Many plots are big enough to build a small apartment block which enables the individual to become a property developer. It is now becoming easier to buy land, find a builder and sell apartments ‘off plan’ in a market place where demand will quickly outstrip supply.
