Social or community tourism is a phenomenon that is fortunately expanding in Cape Verde.
Our story today is set in Mindelo, the city that presents itself to the world as the capital of Cape Verdean culture. Home town of Cesárea Évora, the world’s most acclaimed artist, this city is a reflection of the soul of this country. Cosmopolitan, open, colorful and always warm, Mindelo is undoubtedly the place that offers the best atmosphere in Cape Verde.
However, just a 10-minute walk from the center, we can find very different realities. A much more humble and less cosmopolitan Mindelo makes its way between working and non-touristy neighborhoods, as is the case of Ribeira Bote.
Recovery of buildings
A historically disadvantaged neighborhood
This neighborhood of “favelas”, known years ago for being a crime hotspot, is today a reference in the promotion of community development initiatives where social tourism is encouraged.
From the hand of a local tour operator and the Mindelo municipal chamber (city council), the Ribeira Bote tour was born. A social or community tourism experience that is already a success, both for the satisfaction of those who take part in the experience and for the positive impact that this initiative has had on the neighborhood and their families.
The formula is not at all complicated, although it requires the involvement of all stakeholders. The project has the participation and approval of the entire neighborhood community and distributes the benefits equally among all the neighbors.
"Murals have been painted on the walls of the buildings, dignifying their streets and empowering their neighbors."
Reibeira da Bote, an unrepeatable social tourism tour
The social tourism experience starts at the bus stop in downtown Mindelo. After a short ride on the colectivo (a kind of mini-bus that is part of the public transport) we moved from the tourist bustle to the center of the Ribeira Bote neighborhood, where we met the local guide. A team of 5 young people from the neighborhood, previously trained and fully involved in the project, form the team of guides of the community tourism project.
In each tour, the visits to the different stores, premises or institutions of the neighborhood vary, this is the only way to involve the whole community and that the project reaches every corner of the neighborhood. Social tourism visits that are never the same, and for once authentic, great, isn’t it?
Tour family photo
Somewhat unique visits
The local market, the public kindergarten, the senior center or the office for drug addicts, as well as some of the neighbors’ houses, are some of the stops on the tour. These are intended to show without filters the reality and the day to day life of the community. In this way it is intended to show a true and real image of how the local communities are and how they live. The ultimate goal is to show the potential of the neighborhood for sustainable tourism development that brings direct benefits to the entire population. The experience ends at a neighbor’s house where we will be welcomed and offered a coffee and a homemade snack, perfect to accompany a relaxed chat between the neighbor, the guide and the other participants.
Community-based tourism: if we generate impact, let it be as positive as possible.
An example of how this project has helped the development of the neighborhood is the drop in poverty and schooling indicators, in addition to direct action in the neighborhood. Murals have been painted on the walls of the buildings, dignifying their streets and empowering their neighbors.
Do you want more info? We leave you with this article from the local media “Expresso das ilhas” dedicated to this project.
Social and responsible tourism is possible with initiatives like these, don’t you think? Welcome to Ribeira da Bote!
