Berlin, 14 June 2024

Minister from Cape Verde visits TUI: Working together for sustainable development and economic growth

The importance of tourism for the economic and social development of Cape Verde was the focus of a meeting between the Minister for Communities and the Diaspora of Cape Verde, Jorge Pedro Mauricio dos Santos, and Thomas Ellerbeck, Member of the Executive Committee of TUI Group. "TUI is more than just a company. We have built a partnership that is reflected in significant economic and social progress for Cape Verde," said the Minister in Berlin during the exchange at the TUI Group office which took place yesterday. 

TUI has been involved in Cape Verde since the beginning of 2000 and has been instrumental in its development into a tourist destination - through the construction of hotels and support for infrastructure measures, regular flights from the travel company's European markets and the inclusion in its cruise line programme. As a tourist destination, Cape Verde is now a developing country that has been able to leave the status of a Least Developed Country since 2007. Tourism has contributed significantly to this development.

"Tourism is much more than an economic sector - it is a key driver of social and economic development, in Cape Verde and in many other countries. Our long-term and sustainable cooperation with Cape Verde has provided positive impetus for the country. This partnership shows how tourism can improve the quality of life in destinations, not only by creating jobs, but also by helping to train young people and promote entrepreneurship. The TUI Care Foundation's projects are an excellent example of how targeted investments in education, environmental protection and agricultural development have long-term positive effects for the local population," says Thomas Ellerbeck, member of the TUI Group Executive Committee.

During the meeting, further ideas for joint projects between Cape Verde and the TUI Care Foundation were developed. The independent foundation is currently involved in various areas locally: Training in the tourism sector, supporting young entrepreneurs, protecting sea turtles and promoting the cultivation of agricultural products.

Another important topic of the talks in Berlin was energy, where both sides want to strengthen their cooperation. Cape Verde offers the best conditions for the construction of photovoltaic systems and wind turbines, which can significantly advance the supply of green electricity to the islands. Also the production of green hydrogen on the islands was discussed.

You can find more information about current projects of TUI Care Foundation in Cape Verde here:

About TUI Group

The TUI Group is one of the world's leading tourism groups and operates worldwide. The Group is headquartered in Germany. TUI shares are listed in the MDAX index of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange and in the regulated market of the Lower Saxony Stock Exchange in Hanover. TUI Group offers its 19 million customers integrated services from a single source and forms the entire tourism value chain under one roof. The Group owns over 400 hotels and resorts with premium brands such as RIU, TUI Blue and Robinson and 17 cruise ships, ranging from the MS Europa and MS Europa 2 in the luxury class and expedition ships in the HANSEATIC class to the Mein Schiff fleet of TUI Cruises and cruise ships operated by Marella Cruises in the UK. The Group also includes Europe's leading tour operator brands and online marketing platforms, for example for hotel-only or flight-only offers, five airlines with more than 130 modern medium- and long-haul aircraft and around 1,200 travel agencies. In addition to expanding its core business with hotels and cruises via successful joint ventures and activities in vacation destinations, TUI is increasingly focusing on the expansion of digital platforms. The Group is transforming itself into a global tourism platform company.  

Global responsibility for sustainable economic, environmental and social action is at the heart of our corporate culture. With projects in 25 countries, the TUI Care Foundation initiated by TUI focuses on the positive effects of tourism, on education and training and on strengthening environmental and social standards. In this way, it supports the development of vacation destinations. The globally active TUI Care Foundation initiates projects that create new opportunities for the next generation.