Cape Verde is negotiating the installation of a delegation from the World Tourism Organization (OTM). It should see a new mandate ratified as a member of the Organization's Executive Council, said Carlos Santos, Minister of Tourism and Transport. 

Carlos Santos, mentioned that the decision results from the 64th meeting of the African Regional Commission of the OMT (United Nations Agency). The meeting took place from September 2nd to 4th, on Sal Island, with about 200 participants from 30 countries.

"It was a meeting that brought positive results for Cape Verde from a political point of view because, first of all, it renews the mandate in the executive commission, which is the highest executive body of the organization. This reinforces Cape Verde's role as a small nation that seeks in what is useful in international relations to be present and to make itself present," he said, quoted by Lusa. 

Tourism is known to account for about 25% of Cape Verde's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) with a record 819,000 tourists in 2019. However, the sector has been at a virtual standstill since March 2020 due to restrictions imposed by Covid-19. 

The nomination of African countries, approved in Sal, for a new mandate of Cape Verde in the Executive Board of the WTOT, should be ratified at the 24th General Assembly of the WTOT. This will take place from November 30th to December 3rd of this year, in Marrakech, Morocco. 

"It is almost a given that we will deliver this highest body for another four years," Carlos Santos stressed.

The governor explained that after this meeting in Sal, it was possible to "strengthen relations" with the WTO, through the signing of a protocol, which was already in preparation, for the creation of the "Cape Verde" brand by Interbrand.