The protests that have spread from Las Palmas to southern Gran Canaria have even included a demonstration on Maspalomas beach itself, met with silence from the hotel industry. The Bolivarian ties of the Puebla Group have so far had no impact on tour operator demand for Maspalomas; however, investors are risk-averse and seeking quick and effective alternatives. Cape Verde is already a key market for TUI, Meliá, and Barceló, as, given the pressure exerted by the Puebla Group in the Canary Islands, they have opted to direct a significant portion of their investments there. Vacation apartment management companies are also expanding into this market, given the complexity of the reservation system in the islands.
TUI has deliberately expanded destinations such as Cape Verde. "We realized that we would not be able to bring another million people to Mallorca or the Canary Islands," TUI CEO Sebastian Ebel said on Wednesday. Barceló is going to grow with an 80 million investment in improving the plant it has and new purchases to add 800 rooms, for now. British tour operators are paying for comparisons between Maspalomas and Cape Verde in the press in that country so that tourists do not choose the latter destination, known for its food poisoning in hotels and citizen insecurity.
In Cape Verde since last May, TUI's portfolio with Robinson has not stopped growing since 2019 and has quickly become a newcomer to the range. "With our Robinson Cape Verde as an adults-only club, we address a target group of adults. The new facility on the neighboring island of Boa Vista is also aimed at families with a concept for everyone and is therefore a complement ideal," says Bernd Mäser, product manager.
"There is no evidence that this is having a deterrent effect, that fewer people are traveling," the TUI CEO said this August. He does not see that the business model of holiday packages is in danger as a result, since criticism is also directed at other offers such as the use of private accommodation for holidaymakers through Airbnb.
The new club will be located on the west coast of the island of Boa Vista and will have 320 rooms and bungalows. The water sports station and the sports park with tennis, paddle tennis and soccer fields will stand out. A water park with several pools and slides is also planned. Guests will also be able to enjoy the usual quality standards that have distinguished the brand for decades: first-class gastronomy, a wide range of sports and wellness offers and an extensive program of activities.
Barceló Hotel Group has announced the opening of a resort on the island of Boa Vista, following the inauguration in 2024 of the first hotel in Praia, the capital of Cape Verde. The chain has confirmed 80 million euros in the acquisition and repositioning, as well as the development of new hotels in the destination.
