Sal Island
The most popular of the Cape Verde Islands, Sal was the first to attract tourists with the opening of the international airport in 1948.
- Billions of Euros of international investment into hotels, resorts, golf resorts, marinas, water parks and commercial centres
- Sal Island accounts for 69% of Cape Verde's rental market
- Tour operators are unable to meet the growing demand from tourists
The Government is investing in the Island to create a modern, world-class tourist destination. So, the decision to invest in property on Sal Island is made even easier by the excellent travel links from the UK and throughout Europe. Today, there are regular scheduled flights to Sal's established international airport direct from Birmingham, Gatwick and Manchester.
The charming town of Santa Maria in the south is the main tourist resort and has 8 km of stunning beaches, and a good choice of shops and restaurants. Other highlights include the town of Espargos in the centre of the island, the salt flats of Pedra de Lume on the East Coast and the port town of Palmeira on the western side of the island.
Despite the global economic downturn, Cape Verde's economy has been growing since the late 1990s. Foreign investment has been the key driver of this growth, rising from just US$100,000 over seven years ago to US$1.2 billion in 2008.
In addition, the World Bank announced an investment package in August 2007 worse US$237.9 million for a variety of projects, including energy, water, infrastructure and tourism.
It's an emerging and growing markets and the Cape Verdean government is protecting Ireland by enforcing strict development rules allowing low-density, lowrise projects only.
All in all, Sal Island is at the heart of the investment excitement which surrounds Cape Verde and there has never been a better opportunity to invest capital growth, rental income or resale.
