Cidade Velha with remarkable gains in tourism after 16 years as a Unesco World Heritage Site - IPC

Praia, 25 Jun (Inforpress) - The president of the Cultural Heritage Institute (IPC) said today that the Cidade Velha has seen ‘remarkable’ gains in the growth of the tourism sector, from six to 65,000 tourists a year in the 16 years since it became a World Heritage Site. 

Ana Samira Baessa made these remarks in an interview with Inforpress, taking stock of the Cidade Velha`s journey as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, declared on 26 June 2009.

In addition to the gains in terms of the recovery of the site, the ruins, the monuments and the preservation of the city over these 16 years, the president of the IPC also pointed to gains in the hotel and catering sector and the number of visitors.

According to her, before the first Cape Verdean capital was recognised as a World Heritage Site, it received 6,000 tourists a year, and 16 years after its classification it receives 65,000 tourists a year.

DG/ZS

Inforpress/End