Home » TOURISM NEWS » UK, France, The Netherlands, Germany, and Belgium Fuel Growth in Cape Verde and The Gambia; Major Airlines, Luxury Resorts, and Five-Star Hotels Poised for Expansion in the African Beach Tourism Boom
Published on
September 23, 2025
UK, France, The Netherlands, Germany, and Belgium are fueling the rapid growth of beach tourism in Cape Verde and The Gambia, two West African destinations that have quickly gained recognition among European travelers. With their pristine beaches, reliable year-round sunshine, and a range of luxury resorts, both countries are emerging as top choices for those seeking tropical escapes. Cape Verde, with its stunning volcanic islands, and The Gambia, known as the “Smiling Coast of Africa,” offer a unique blend of cultural heritage and modern hospitality. As major European airlines like TUI, easyJet, Lufthansa, and Air France expand their flight options, these countries are becoming more accessible, attracting a steady flow of tourists eager to enjoy not only sun, sand, and sea but also authentic experiences in lesser-known yet vibrant African destinations.
UK, France, The Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, and Cape Verde and The Gambia Triumphing Together: Cape Verde and The Gambia Targeted Demarketed for the Boom of African Offshore Tourism
West Africa is not the first region of the world that usually comes to mind for a beach holiday. However, the Cape Verde Islands and The Gambia are beginning to emerge to popularity among tourists from Europe looking for beach destinations. The primary source of the tourism growth for the two nations this is the united kingdom, France, Netherlands, Germany, and Belgium. The region is characterized with beautiful luxury beaches with combines virgin natural beauty, and exotic cultures. The area is positioned to grow in luxury tourism markets.
What are the Reasons for Cape Verde, and The Gambia Growing to the Most Sought After Beach Destinations
The promises of Cape Verde and The Gambia are unsurprising. There are many these countries have put in place welcoming tourism facilities with great sunshine, beautiful beaches, and unsaturated natural allure in solid African authenticity. The increasing frequency of flights from European tourism carries like TUI, easyJet, Lufthansa, and Air France is adding to the many reasons for their growth potential for vacation international travel.
Both destinations feature stretches of sandy beaches, sparkling blue seas, and gentle climates throughout the year, which attracts tourists, particularly from Northern Europe who desire sun. Although these destinations are not yet the targets of mass tourism, they can satisfy the needs of those who are looking to rest, have some adventures, and learn new things.
The Effect of European Tourism on the Islands of Cape Verde
Next to the slumbering Bali, Cape Verde has recently emerged as a new secret on the shores of Africa. The chains of volcanic islands lying on the mid Atlantic ridge have always been appreciated for their orderly, and luxury driven tourism developments, which have been on the rise. In 2024, over 1.2 million travelers came to visit Cape Verde, mainly thanks to tourists from the UK, France, Germany, and the Netherlands. Cape Verde is popular among voyagists looking for tropical destinations with chic hotels, where a plethora of water and ocean side recreational activities are offered.
Five Star Hotels and Luxury Resorts
Cape Verde poured resources into building luxury tourism infrastructure. Prominent hotel chains such as RIU, Meliá, and Hilton have opted to set up shop on the islands and offer high-end accommodations. The Sal and Boa Vista islands have resorts aimed at affluent tourists with breathtaking ocean views, private villas, and luxurious spas. These hotels promote all-inclusive packages and offer tourists various diving, kite surfing, and boat tours.
Boutique hotels and eco-friendly lodges are also available in Cape Verde, catering to tourists eager to merge luxury with eco consciousness. Thus, it is expected that Cape Verde would continue to have an upward growth trajectory with more investments allocated to high-end services and facilities.
Airline Connectivity:
European travelers can access Cape Verde with ease with flights offered by TUI, easyJet, and Air France. These airlines provide convenient connections to their hub airports in the UK, France and The Netherlands. EasyJet wants to provide accessible flights to Cape Verde during winter months to target European travelers wanting to escape dreary weather. Moreover, Air France’s expanding services to Cape Verde increases the travel options available to French citizens.
The Gambia: An Underappreciated Beach Destination
Despite its small size, The Gambia, referred to as the “Smiling Coast of Africa,” is incredibly charming. This country in West Africa is home to numerous historic sites, rich nature, and beautiful coastlines. While Cape Verde has gained more popularity in the last few years, The Gambia has remained a go to destination for travelers wanting to experience the African beach holiday of their dreams.
Diversified Tourism Market:
Gambia remains an attractive destination with international visitors coming from European countries including the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Germany. The Gambia has an added advantage of visa-on-arrival policy for European nationals for a stay not exceeding 28 days. With gorgeous, affordable beaches and a visa-on-arrival policy, Gambia is quickly becoming a cheaper alternative to traditional tropical paradises.
Expanding Resort Offering
Gambia’s might not have a an abundant of luxury hotels, but there is a growing interest in all inclusive hotels. The main beaches, including the popular Senegambia Strip, have a large variety of hotels, including affordable and luxurious. With the rise in demand for eco-friendly traveling, Gambia has also a growing collection of boutique hotels and eco-friendly lodges.
Local hotels have also tried to diversify their offerings, with additions of more luxurious services and facilities, in order to meet the needs of high-end clientele. The country is also known for it’s unqiue hospitality, which is a combination of local culture and luxury at a reasonable price, making it ideal for tourists who want to indulge in cultural as well as luxury tourism.
Airlines and Travel Access:
Like Cape Verde, The Gambia has a substantial number of airlines, but it still enjoys direct flights to many metropolitan cities in Europe, especially those in The Netherlands and the United Kingdom. The Banjul Yundum International Airport receives an increasing number of airlines serving the capitals of the West African Region, thus enhancing the accessibility of The Gambia to the international and regional tourists. Furthermore, it is served by airlines such as TUI and Royal Air Maroc, which are significant for these travelers.
The growing Bugdet and Luxury tourism has been observed in Both The Gambia and Cape Verde
With the rise in the number of tourists visiting Europe, there is an increasing selling beach holidays that offer good weather and luxury, which is growing conveniently in The Gambia and Cape Verde, so they are enhancing their services.
Cultural Immersion and Sustainable Travel:
Tourists are becoming more sophisticated and are now searching for more than just a sun and sand holiday. Both Cape Verde and The Gambia have responded by accentuating their diverse cultural heritage and providing tourists with opportunities to engage with local traditions, wildlife, and cuisine. The Gambia is renowned for its vibrant traditional arts, music, and dance, while Cape Verde is famous for its exquisite Creole culture and distinctive cuisine.
Both countries are also beginning to implement sustainability practices within their tourism sectors. Eco-tourism is a Cape Verdean priority, and many resorts are implementing eco-friendly practices. The Gambia is also promoting ecotourism with its nature reserves, wildlife sanctuaries, and conservation areas.
A Bright Future for Cape Verde and The Gambia:
The Gambia and Cape Verde are continuing to receive a steady influx of tourists, especially from European countries like the UK, France, the Netherlands, Germany, and Belgium, which is positively impacting the growth of their tourism sectors. These countries are becoming increasingly accessible as more airlines open new routes and luxury resorts expand, attracting visitors in search of sun, sand, and cultural experiences.
International airlines’ strong interest along with luxury travel’s attention allows Cape Verde and The Gambia to enhance their position on global beach tourism. Both countries are sure to please with unique, lavish experiences. Cape Verde provides leisure and The Gambia allows for adventure. Both provide incredible African beach vacations.
Cape Verde and The Gambia are experiencing a surge in European tourism, with travellers from the UK, France, the Netherlands, Germany, and Belgium flocking to their beautiful beaches. Major airlines and luxury resorts are expanding, making these West African destinations increasingly accessible and appealing.
Final Thoughts
The Gambia and Cape Verde are great alternatives to the Caribbean and Southeast Asia beach holiday. With newly added luxuries including dub sunlight and stunning beaches, The Gambia and Cape Verde are perfect for travelers with interests beyond traditional beaches. Daily, these hidden gems are showered with attention due to abundant new airlines, resorts, and engaging activities.
