TUI Futureshapers Sal
Tourism plays a central role in Cabo Verde’s economy, with the islands of Sal and Boavista attracting the majority of the country’s visitors. This growth brings opportunities, but it also highlights a number of challenges. Much of the tourism activity is concentrated within larger resorts, and many small businesses, young people and community organisations struggle to participate in the economic benefits. Local supply chains remain fragmented, skills gaps influence service quality, and small enterprises often lack access to the tools needed to meet the standards expected by the industry.
TUI Futureshapers Sal addresses these limitations by investing in people, enterprises and community organisations across the island. Through tailored training, mentoring, incubation resources and partnership-building, the project creates a stronger, more inclusive tourism ecosystem. Young people can access opportunities, small businesses can grow sustainably, and community organisations can lead impactful initiatives that enrich local culture and wellbeing.
The project provides young people with practical skills for entrepreneurship and employment, supports small businesses to improve their management and digital capabilities, and equips community organisations with the tools needed to deliver meaningful social and environmental projects. Based in Sal and supported by a wide range of local and national partners, TUI Futureshapers Sal translates the country’s tourism potential into long-term, community-centered benefits.
Tourism is one of Cabo Verde’s strongest economic pillars, but its benefits remain unevenly distributed. Young people often face barriers to entering the labour market due to skills gaps, limited access to training and a lack of visibility in the sector. Community organisations also play a key role in cultural, social and environmental wellbeing, but they can face the same challenges when trying to secure funding, plan projects or build partnerships that lead to lasting impact.
TUI Futureshapers Sal responds to these challenges through three interconnected pillars.
The first pillar focuses on young people. The project trains 200 young participants in essential entrepreneurial and employability skills, including business ideation, financial planning, digital literacy, leadership and sustainable tourism practices. These sessions are supported by innovation challenges and career-building activities designed to help young people apply their knowledge to real-world needs. At least 20 youth-led ventures or community initiatives are created, offering young entrepreneurs the opportunity to contribute immediately to their communities.
The second pillar strengthens micro and small enterprises on the island. Businesses are guided to adopt digital tools, create websites and improve their online presence, whilst also receiving support to enhance operations, pursue relevant certifications and integrate sustainable practices such as waste reduction and efficient resource use. 80 businesses receive the support to improve their competitiveness and increase their revenue by an average of 30%. The enterprises are linked with hotels and tour operators to help them access new business opportunities within the tourism supply chain.
The third pillar focuses on building the capacity of community organisations. Through targeted training in project design, monitoring and evaluation, fundraising, communication and organisational strategy, 20 NGOs and community leaders receive support to develop sustainable, impactful initiatives. At least 10 community projects are implemented, contributing to cultural preservation, social inclusion and environmental protection across the island. These strengthen the resilience of communities and enrich the tourism experience by protecting and celebrating the cultural and natural assets that make Cabo Verde unique.
A financial education component supports all three of the pillars by improving access to funding. Beneficiaries receive training in financial literacy and investment readiness, while partnerships with financial institutions help facilitate access to micro-loans and grants. The project support 30 participants to mobilise €55,000, enabling promising ideas to turn into lasting ventures.
Through its comprehensive and interconnected approach, TUI Futureshapers Sal strengthens the foundations of an inclusive and resilient tourism economy. By equipping people with practical skills, supporting businesses to improve their performance, and empowering community organisations to lead meaningful initiatives, it helps transform tourism growth into broad, community-centred development that benefits the island for years to come.
Project Partner
Target 8.9 is a global development agency initiated by TUI Care Foundation. It is dedicated to mobilising both non-financial and financial resources to create meaningful and sustainable impacts in local tourism destinations, aligned with target 8.9 of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This specific objective within the SDGs aims to promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all, with an emphasis on the tourism sector and highlighting local culture and products. Target 8.9’s primary focus is on fostering inclusive economic opportunities and social development, with a strong emphasis on conservation and landscape restoration.
