Thomas Cook returns to Cape Verde
Thomas Cook is to return to Cape Verde this winter with the launch of weekly charter flights to Sal from both Gatwick and Manchester on its in-house carrier.
The operator previously sold holidays to Boa Vista in Cape Verde in winter 2011, but the destination was later dropped from the programme.
The tour operator revealed yesterday that its bookings to Egypt, usually one of the most popular winter sun destinations, were £15 million down for the three months up to December due to political unrest, and Cape Verde will provide an alternative to the Red Sea for winter 2014/15.
Thomson has already increased its capacity in Cape Verde to offset losses in Egypt.
Located 1000 miles south of the Canary Islands off the west coast of Africa, Cape Verde has year round temperatures of between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius.
It also offers a choice of activities including diving and deep sea fishing.
On sale with Thomas Cook and Airtours, the new programme features seven hotels in Sal’s most developed and popular resort of Santa Maria. Flights start in November.
Product and yield director Uli Sperl said: "We are always looking for opportunities to expand our range of holidays, in particular for winter, so are really excited to be introducing Sal in Cape Verde.
"We are confident that our customers looking for somewhere a bit different and with quality hotels of European standards will love Cape Verde.
"With its flying time of just 6 hours and small time difference to the UK, it’s hard to beat as an all-round holiday destination and still low key enough to feel like a bit of a discovery." Initially available in an e-brochure, Cape Verde will be incorporated into the July edition of the Thomas Cook Spain & Portugal brochure.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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