Beninn - Travel and TourismBeninn-Travel-and-Tourism

Overview

Benin is the fifth largest tourist destination in West Africa and has great potential for further development in this sector.  The government has declared the beachfront zone west of Cotonou between the airport and the city of Ouidah as a tourism center, and is encouraging the development of hotels and leisure in this zone.  Tourism development is an important part of the government’s action plan (PAG), with projects envisioned to bring tourists to several parts of the country to learn about the history of slavery, to see pre-colonial palaces, to experience unique traditional architecture, and to see elephants, lions, cheetahs, and other animals in their natural habitat.  Little supporting tourism infrastructure in these locations already exists, so there is potential for investment and development.

Leading Sub-Sectors

Construction of recreational centers, restoration and creation of new tourism attraction sites, and construction and provision of accommodations and dining options.

Opportunities

The government has put in place incentives for foreign investors interested in building hotels in the beachfront area.  Investors can obtain duty exemption from the government on all building materials and equipment destined to such a project.

Web Resources

Benin government’s PAG:  http://revealingbenin.com/en/
Export-Import Bank of United States of America: www.exim.gov/products/special/africa/
United States Trade Development Agency: www.ustda.gov.
Benincommercial@state.gov
 

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