Home » Tourism News » Benin boosts tourism industry with new visa-free travel policy to 36 countries including Bahamas, South Africa, Singapore
Sunday, July 21, 2024
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Benin, a small but vibrant country in West Africa, borders Togo, Nigeria, Burkina Faso and Niger and has a short coastline on the Bight of Benin. Known for its rich history and cultural heritage, Benin is known as the birthplace of the mighty Kingdom of Dahomey. The country’s diverse landscapes, from savannahs and mountains to beautiful beaches, add to its appeal.
Capitals and major cities
Porto-Novo is Benin’s official capital, while Cotonou is its largest city and economic centre. Cotonou is the economic heart of Benin, bustling with markets, businesses and a vibrant nightlife.
Cultural significance
Benin is renowned for its role in the Voodoo religion, an important aspect of its cultural identity, and the Royal Palace of Abomey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, highlights the country’s historical and architectural grandeur.
The backbone of the economy
Agriculture, and cotton in particular, is a pillar of Benin’s economy, and the country has remained focused on macroeconomic stability to support economic activity amid ongoing global challenges.
Citizens of the following countries can travel to Benin without a visa:
AfricaBurkina FasoCape VerdeCentral African RepublicCôte d’IvoireGhanaGuineaGuinea-BissauLiberiaMaliMauritiusNigerNigeriaRwandaSenegalSierra LeoneSouth AfricaGambiaTogoTunisiaAsiaHong KongIsraelMalaysiaPhilippinesSingaporeOceaniaCook IslandsMicronesiaNiueSamoaAmericasAntigua and BarbudaBarbadosBermudaDominicaEcuadorHaitiSaint Vincent and the Grenadines
Benin and Bahamas lift visa requirements for smoother travel
Citizens of Benin and The Bahamas will no longer need visas to visit each other’s countries following the establishment of diplomatic relations aimed at abolishing visas. The change is expected to ease travel between the two countries and boost economic growth. The agreement was reached between Bahamas Foreign Minister Frederick Mitchell and Benin Foreign Minister Olusegun Ajadi Bakari at the third South-South Summit (G77 + China) in Kamara, Uganda.
This decision makes the Bahamas the seventh CARICOM country to establish such a relationship with Benin. Until now, Beninese passport holders had to apply for a visa to visit the Bahamas, often opting for the quick and easy Bahamas e-Visa. Similarly, Bahamian passport holders required a Beninese visa. The move to waive the visa requirement marks a step toward closer cooperation. In addition, Benin recently signed a similar agreement with Sri Lanka for diplomatic passport holders. The Bahamas set a tourism record last year with 7.2 million tourists, more than 30% higher than 2019 figures, highlighting the potential economic benefits of such diplomatic efforts.
Visitors to Benin
Benin’s tourists come primarily from neighboring West African countries such as Nigeria, Togo and Ghana. France, with its historical ties and large French-speaking population, is also an important source of tourists. In addition, Benin attracts cultural heritage enthusiasts from the United States and around the world who are keen to explore the history of the Kingdom of Dahomey and Voodoo.
Benin Business Centers and Conferences
Benin hosts several international conferences, reinforcing its role as a business and financial centre in the region.
International Conference on Healthcare Finance and Financial Management (ICHFFM) International Conference on Revenue Management (ICORM) International Conference on Personalized Marketing and Management (ICPMM) International Conference on Scientific Marketing (ICOSM) International Conference on Financial Engineering and Banking Management (ICFEBM)
Top hotels in Benin
Golden Tulip Le Diplomate Cotonou: A luxurious hotel with modern facilities, perfect for business and leisure travelers. Benin Royal Hotel: Known for its elegant rooms and excellent service, it is an ideal choice for business and leisure travelers. Residence Ivoire Cotonou: Spacious rooms and a cozy atmosphere make it suitable for short or long stays. Casa del Papa Resort & SPA: A tranquil seaside resort near Ouidah, perfect for relaxing and exploring history. Residence MaryHouse: A charming residence with comfortable rooms and attentive service.
Main Attractions
Pendjari National Park: A famous wildlife reserve that is part of the W-Arly-Pendjari complex, known for its diverse fauna. French Culture and Lifestyle: A mix of French and local customs, reflecting Benin’s colonial history. La Porte du Non Retour: A moving monument in Ouidah that commemorates the transatlantic slave trade. Lake Ahemé: Known for its beautiful scenery and traditional fishing villages. Great Mosque of Porto-Novo: An architectural marvel that blends Brazilian and African styles.
Special Festival
Voodoo Day: Celebrated on January 10th, it puts the spotlight on Benin’s Vodun (Voodoo) religion. Gelede Festival: Celebrates the role of women in society with masked dancing and performances. Waba Festival: Celebrated in February, it puts the spotlight on Yoruba traditions. International Vodun Arts and Culture Festival: Showcasing Vodun traditions through arts and performances. National Day: Celebrated on August 1st, it commemorates Benin’s independence from France.
Major airports in Benin
Cotonou-Cadjehun Airport: A major international airport that serves as the main gateway. Kandy Airport: A regional airport in the north of Benin that mainly handles domestic flights. Parakou Airport: Located in central Benin, it is convenient for domestic travel.
Airlines that fly to Benin
Tourism development in Benin
Benin has made great strides in stabilizing its economy since 2016, supporting growth even amid the pandemic. The government has prioritized tourism, especially along the coast between Cotonou and Ouidah, which focuses on the attractions of history, culture and wildlife. But security concerns remain a challenge, especially in the northern region.
The government of Benin has partnered with the African Parks Network to strengthen security in its national parks, with the aim of boosting tourism and protecting its natural heritage. As the fifth largest tourist destination in West Africa, Benin offers visitors a rich mix of history, culture and natural beauty, with great potential for further development.
Tags: Air France, Barbados, Benin, Benin Royal Hotel, Hong Kong, Bahamas included, Malaysia, Qatar Airways, Singapore, South Africa, tourism news, travel industry, travel news, Turkish Airlines, visa-free travel, visa-free travel news, Voodoo Day
