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afrol News, 14 March - The Cape Verdean capital, Praia, is increasing its hotel capacity by an estimated 70 percent after the inauguration of Praia's new, modern airport. International tourism has so far been focused on the northern island of Sal, but Praia hoteliers are optimistic about the capital's potential. At this moment, the accommodation capacity of Praia does not even reach 500 hotel beds, according to an assessment by Cabonet, a local media. Two new five star hotels, the Gamboa Palace and the Taiti Hotel, are to be opened in town within two years. Also the established Hotel Praia Mar has announced it is to increase its capacity. Together, these three projects will increase Praia's accommodation capacity with 320 hotel beds. All projects are of high prestige and are counting with the best localities of the small island capital. Gamboa Palace will, as the existing Praia Mar, be located at the beach and will have twelve suites. The Taiti Hotel will be located in a park area and will mainly be targeted at business travellers. All three hotels also hope for conference guests, Praia being a capital. The projects are all financed by companies based in Europe; the neighbouring Canary Islands (Spain) and Italy. Both the constructions and later the management of the hotels are creating jobs on the island. Praia is not set to compete with the touristier island of Sal, as the capital has suffered from a chronic lack of accommodation. It is however believed that the new airport, to be inaugurated in October this year, together with improved local infrastructure, could lead to greater numbers of visits to the island. An increased quality and quantity of accommodation also might attract conferences and other events to the Cape Verdean capital.
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