Luanda: Two cruise ships carrying roughly 300 tourists docked in Luanda on Sunday, April 5. This stopover highlights the capital's growing role as a strategic hub for international tourism in Angola.
According to Angola Press News Agency, the provincial director of Culture and Tourism, Gersy Pegado, stated that the presence of these visitors represents 'a very large window of opportunities' for the country. 'We have had an influx of tourists, today alone we have 300 visitors who are already integrated into various tourist circuits,' he highlighted.
Luanda has established itself as a regular stopping point for international cruises, with more than 60 ships already registered over the last few years. The strategy focuses on cultural tourism, combining gastronomy, music, dance, and historical heritage as attraction factors.
Jos© Cabral, the general director of the company TravelGest, oversees the logistical operation of the cruises. Before docking at the Port of Luanda, the ship coming from Cape Town, South Africa, made a stop in Namibia and Baa dos Tigres in Mo§Smedes, Namibe province. This ship carries around 37 tourists, mainly Swiss, Americans, and English.
The tourists' visit includes a city tour of the main attractions such as the Anthropology Museum, Fortress, and Iron Palace, followed by lunch on Luanda Island. During their stay, visitors will also have the opportunity to explore Mussulo Island, combining leisure and contact with local culture.
For Jos© Cabral, the growth in the number of stops across the country demonstrates Angola's potential in this sector. "We have been working with the Ministry of Tourism and other entities. Each ship that arrives gives visibility to Angola and shows that we have the capacity to receive large vessels," he noted.
The captain of the Vasco da Gama ship, Adrian Firsov, a Romanian national, explained that the vessel carries Portuguese and German tourists and crew members of various nationalities. 'Our main objective is to provide the best moments of happiness, a remarkable experience for our tourists throughout their trips,' he said.
During the short stay, passengers will discover parts of the Angolan capital, emphasizing experiences linked to nature, the sea coast, and local cuisine, particularly fish-based dishes. Despite interest in further exploration, the ship will only stay in Luanda for one day, leaving this Sunday afternoon for its next destination, Cape Verde, a journey expected to last around seven days.
The stopover reinforces Angola's position on the international cruise circuit, as the country experiences an increase in ships and tourists seeking to discover its cultural and scenic diversity.
