Cotonou, Welcome note by Minister of Culture, Artisan Trade, and Tourism

Welcome to the Benin Tourism Website

Benin: A Land to Discover

Located in West Africa, Benin is a coastal country with the Atlantic Ocean to the south and the neighboring countries of the Sahel region to the north.

Benin enjoys political stability, peace, and constant economic growth for the past decade.

The promotion of democracy, human rights, and good governance constitute the priorities of the Beninese government.

Benin: A People to Discover for their legendary hospitality

The Beninese are a peaceful, ingenious, hard-working people. They are made up of communities which are considered among the richest civilizations of Africa

Benin: An Exclusive Tourist Destination

Benin has many rich and varied treasures for tourists. The Beninese government is dedicated to supporting these treasures through the National Policy of Tourism Development, in order to increase the country's tourism potential and to compete actively in the international tourism market.

There are several types of tourism offered in Benin:

- Cultural tourism offers possibilities as extensive as the country itself, through our many museums, royal palaces, traditional religions, songs and dances. The oral traditions of Benin are an especially unique cultural treasure, such as that of the Gèlèdè people, declared an Oral Heritage of Humanity in May 2001. Also, we cannot forget Ouidah's Slave Route, which affords the opportunity for reconciliation with the slave trade and resulting diaspora.
The construction of a National Theatre, planned as part of the Government Action Plan for 2001-2006, will equip Benin with a Cultural Complex in which to hold artistic performances, exhibits, and trade shows. This theatre will become a top cultural attraction, providing Benin's artists with a showcase for the free expression of their talents.

- Game tourism and safaris in the national parks and wildlife reserves of the North (Parc de la Pendjari and Parc du W)

- Political and business tourism in the major cities

- Beachfront tourism along the coastline. The government of Benin decided in its Action Plan for 2001-2006 to make promotion of the tourism sector a top priority because of the sector's potential to spur sustainable economic and social development. One initiative in this effort is the development of the Fisherman's Route, the coastal road between the historical city of Ouidah and Cotonou, the economic capital of Benin.

Thus, I urge tourists, businessmen, tour operators, and hoteliers to use this website to access all the useful information it puts at your disposal-about the Republic of Benin in general, as well as the specific tourism information that serves your needs.

Thank you.

Excellence Mr. Amos Elegbe,
Minister of Culture, Artisan Trade, and Tourism

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