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Benin boosts tourism sector with new visa-free travel policy for 36 countries, including the Bahamas, South Africa and Singapore

Benin boosts tourism sector with new visa-free travel policy for 36 countries, including the Bahamas, South Africa and Singapore

Sunday, July 21, 2024

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Benin boosts tourism sector with new visa-free travel policy for 36 countries, including the Bahamas, South Africa and Singapore

Benin, a small but vibrant country in West Africa, borders Togo, Nigeria, Burkina Faso and Niger, with a short coastline on the Bight of Benin. Benin is known for its rich history and cultural heritage, and is celebrated as the birthplace of the mighty kingdom of Dahomey. The country’s diverse landscapes, ranging from savannahs and mountains to beautiful beaches, add to its appeal.

Capital and big city

Porto-Novo is the official capital of Benin, while Cotonou is the largest city and economic hub. Cotonou is the heart of Benin’s economy, full of markets, businesses and a vibrant nightlife.

Cultural significance

Benin is known for its role in the Vodun (Voodoo) religion, which is an important aspect of its cultural identity. The Royal Palaces of Abomey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, highlight the country’s historical and architectural grandeur.

Economic backbone

Agriculture, particularly cotton, is the mainstay of Benin’s economy. The country’s commitment to macroeconomic stability has strengthened its economic activities, even amid global challenges.

Citizens of these countries can travel to Benin visa-free:

Africa

  • Burkina Faso
  • Cape Verde
  • Central-African Republic
  • Ivory Coast
  • Ghana
  • Guinea
  • Guinea-Bissau
  • Liberia
  • Mali
  • Mauritius
  • Niger
  • Nigeria
  • Rwanda
  • Senegal
  • Sierra Leone
  • South Africa
  • Gambia
  • To go
  • Tunisia

Asia

  • Hong-Kong
  • Israel
  • Malaysia
  • Philippines
  • Singapore

Oceania

  • Cook Islands
  • Micronesia
  • Niue
  • Samoa

Americas

  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • Barbados
  • Bermuda
  • Dominica
  • Ecuador
  • Haiti
  • Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Benin and the Bahamas abolish visa requirements for hassle-free 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 such requirements. The change is expected to facilitate travel and boost economic growth in both countries. The agreement was reached between Bahamas Foreign Minister Fredrick Mitchell and Beninese Foreign Minister Olushegun Adjadi Bakari during the third South-South Summit (G77 + China) in Kamala, Uganda.

With this decision, The Bahamas becomes the seventh CARICOM country to establish such ties with Benin. Previously, Beninese passport holders had to obtain a visa to visit the Bahamas, often opting for the quick and easy Bahamas eVisa. Similarly, Bahamas passport holders required a visa to visit Benin. The move to remove visa requirements marks a step towards 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 visitors, exceeding 2019 figures by more than 30%, underscoring the potential economic benefits of such diplomatic efforts.

Visitors to Benin

Tourists visiting Benin mainly come from neighbouring West African countries such as Nigeria, Togo and Ghana. France, with its historical ties and French-speaking population, is also a major source of visitors. In addition, Benin attracts cultural heritage enthusiasts from the United States and other parts of the world, who are eager to explore the history of the Dahomey kingdom and the Vodun religion.

Business Centers and Conferences in Benin

Benin hosts several international conferences, which strengthens the country’s role as a business and financial centre in the region:

  • International Conference on Finance and Financial Management in Healthcare (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)

Best hotels in Benin

  1. Golden Tulip Le Diplomate Cotonou: A luxurious hotel with modern amenities, ideal for both business and leisure travelers.
  2. Benin Royal Hotel:Known for its elegant rooms and excellent service, this hotel is ideal for both business and leisure travelers.
  3. Residence Ivory Coast Cotonou: Offers spacious rooms and a welcoming atmosphere, suitable for short and long stays.
  4. Casa del Papa Resort & SPA: A quiet beachfront resort near Ouidah, ideal for relaxing and exploring history.
  5. Residence MaryHouse: A charming residence with comfortable rooms and personalized service.

Main tourist attractions

  1. Pendjari National Park: A famous nature reserve, part of the W-Arly-Pendjari Complex, known for its diverse wildlife.
  2. French culture and lifestyle: Reflects Benin’s colonial history and combines French and local customs.
  3. The Gate of Non-Return: A poignant monument in Ouidah, commemorating the transatlantic slave trade.
  4. Lake of Ahémé: Known for its scenic beauty and traditional fishing villages.
  5. Great Mosque of Porto-Novo: An architectural wonder that shows a mix of Brazilian and African styles.

Special festivals

  1. Voodoo Day: Celebrated on January 10th and highlights the country’s Voodoo religion.
  2. Jointed Festival: Celebrates the role of women in society with masked dances and performances.
  3. Waba festival: Celebrated in February and focuses on the Yoruba heritage.
  4. International Festival of Vodun Arts and Culture: Showcase Vodun heritage through art and performance.
  5. national day: is celebrated on August 1 and marks Benin’s independence from France.

Major airports in Benin

  1. Cotonou-Cadjehoun Airport: The main international airport that serves as the primary gateway.
  2. Kandi Airport: is a regional airport in northern Benin, mainly handling domestic flights.
  3. Parakou Airport: is located in central Benin and is therefore suitable for domestic travel.

Airlines flying to Benin

Tourism development in Benin

Since 2016, Benin has made significant strides toward economic stability, which has supported growth even during the pandemic. The government has prioritized tourism, particularly along the coastal zone between Cotonou and Ouidah. The sector focuses on historical, cultural, and wildlife attractions. However, security concerns, particularly in the northern regions, pose a challenge.

The government of Benin is working with the African Parks Network to improve security in national parks, with the aim of boosting tourism and protecting natural heritage. Benin is the fifth largest tourist destination in West Africa and has enormous potential for further development. The country offers visitors a rich mix of history, culture and natural beauty.

Tags: Air France, Barbados, Benin, Benin Royal Hotel, Hong Kong, including Bahamas, Malaysia, Qatar Airways, Singapore, South Africa, Tourism News, travel industry, Travel News, Turkish Airlines, Visa Free Travel, Visa Free Travel News, Voodoo Day