The Tui Group and Tui Care Foundation have signed an agreement with the Cape Verde government to “strengthen tourism on the islands as a force for good”.
Called ‘Tourism for Development’, the Memorandum of Understanding outlines how the travel group will “intensify” cooperation on a wide range of sustainability topics.
The deal was signed by the tourism and transport minister Carlos Jorge Duarte Santos; Sebastian Ebel, chief executive of Tui Group, and Thomas Ellerbeck, chairman of Tui Care Foundation, which supports charitable initiatives in the operator’s destinations.
“Their joint goal is to develop a more sustainable and diversified tourism sector for the archipelago benefitting local communities economically and socially,” said Tui.
“The signatories will be particularly ambitious in evaluating and expanding the production and use of renewable energies such as solar, wind, and hydrogen power to increase energy independence and decarbonise the sector on the islands.”
Tui said it has been a “close partner” with Cape Verde for many decades.
Its portfolio of eight hotels with brands such as Riu Robinson and Tui Blue on the islands of Sal and Boa Vista offers guests more than 10,000 beds.
It said it is “by far” the biggest airline operator serving the country, operating year-round and offering almost 2,000 flights per year.
Furthermore, Tui cruise ships call at Cape Verdean ports each winter season.
Tui Care Foundation has had projects in the destination since its establishment in 2016.
The Tui Academy on Sal opens up opportunities for young people, while the Tui Field to Fork programme promoted the local production of fruit and vegetables.
The foundation has also been engaged in the protection of endangered turtles on the islands for many years.
The Foundation has ambitious plans to extend its portfolio in Cape Verde, with a special focus on the support of small and medium impact entrepreneurs and the protection of local heritage and culture.
Pictured from left at the signing of the MoU on the island of Sal are Ebel and the minister.