Sustainable tourism takes centre stage as Sal council and tourism institute discuss Santa Maria’s future
Santa Maria’s future as a welcoming, well-managed and sustainable tourism destination has been the focus of discussions between Sal Municipal Council and Cabo Verde’s Tourism Institute, highlighting the importance of protecting the community and environment at the heart of the island’s visitor economy.
In an announcement published on 10 November, the council reported a working meeting aimed at strengthening institutional cooperation on sustainable local tourism development. The discussions focused on Santa Maria, addressing practical issues that influence both the visitor experience and everyday life for residents.
For The Resort Group Plc, the agenda reflects a fundamental commitment: successful tourism should support the destination that makes it possible. The Group is dedicated to sustainable tourism, and its partnership with Meliá Hotels International underlines that dedication, bringing together resort development and the expertise of a hotel company recognised internationally for its sustainability performance.
A shared focus on Santa Maria
Councillors Jassy Sousa and Hedércio Gomes met representatives including Dilma Cruz, Olina Cabral, Director of Operational Coordination at the tourism institute, and Carlos Mateus, adviser to the Minister of Tourism and Transport. Municipal Police officer Steven Lopes also participated.
The agenda covered harassment of tourists, urban organisation and regeneration, beach management, municipal waste, safety, enforcement and the organisation of local commerce. The council emphasised cooperation on urban management, social inclusion and environmental protection, alongside maintaining Sal’s position as a leading Cabo Verde tourism destination.
These priorities extend beyond the boundaries of individual hotels. A clean beach, a welcoming town centre and well-managed public spaces all contribute to the quality of a holiday. They also shape the experience of the people who live and work in Santa Maria throughout the year.
Sustainable tourism therefore requires a shared approach. Public authorities, hospitality businesses, residents and local traders each have a role in ensuring that tourism development strengthens the destination’s appeal while respecting its character.
A partnership supporting responsible hospitality
The Resort Group Plc’s relationship with Meliá Hotels International connects its commitment to sustainable tourism with an established international hospitality partner. The Group’s Sal portfolio includes Meliá Dunas Beach Resort & Spa, Meliá Llana Beach Resort & Spa and Meliá Tortuga Beach Resort, with management agreements covering parts of these three resorts.
Meliá is considered one of the world’s leading hotel groups for sustainability. In its February 2025 results announcement, the company highlighted recognition as Europe’s most sustainable hotelierand its leadership of the hotel sector in S&P Global’s Sustainability Yearbook 2025. Its sustainability strategy encompasses environmental, social and governance responsibilities and is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
The assessment’s scale provides useful context. S&P Global’s 2025 Yearbook considered more than 7,690 companies assessed through its 2024 Corporate Sustainability Assessment, selecting 780 companies for inclusion. This places recognition within a substantial international evaluation rather than a destination-specific tourism award.
Lisa Kellett, Chief of Staff for The Resort Group Plc, said:
“Santa Maria’s appeal depends on its environment; its community and the warmth of the welcome visitors receive. Protecting those qualities is essential to the long-term success of tourism on Sal.
“The Resort Group Plc is dedicated to sustainable tourism, and our partnership with Meliá Hotels International underlines that commitment. We welcome dialogue that brings public authorities and the tourism sector together around cleaner public spaces, responsible resource use and opportunities for local people.
“Our ambition is to help ensure that a memorable visitor experience goes hand in hand with respect for the destination and the people who call it home.”
Building on an established commitment
The Group’s sustainability work has a documented history. In 2017, it announced that Meliá Tortuga and Meliá Dunas had received Travelife Gold certification, following assessment against 163 sustainability criteria. Those criteria covered energy, water and waste management, alongside employee welfare, community relationships, child protection and human rights.
In 2018, the Group also reported beach-cleaning activities, water-conservation awareness and a programme recycling used kitchen oil into candles. Its reporting recognised the particular pressures facing Sal, including low rainfall, limited landfill capacity and constraints on recycling infrastructure.
These examples demonstrate why sustainability must connect hotel operations with wider destination management. Conserving resources within a resort matters, while cooperation beyond the resort can help address the public spaces, infrastructure and environmental challenges shared by the whole community.
The council and tourism institute’s discussions provide a constructive focus for that cooperation. For The Resort Group Plc, Santa Maria’s continued success rests on tourism that values its beaches, supports its people and helps preserve the qualities that draw visitors to Sal.
Apr 1, 2025 – Meliá Llana, Meliá Dunas nominated for 2025 World Travel Awards for Leading Resort
Other nominees:
- Hotel Riu Cabo Verde
- TUI BLUE Cabo Verde
- VOI Praia de Chaves Resort
- Hilton Cabo Verde Sal Resort