Benin is positioning itself as a competitive destination in the growing luxury travel sector, capitalizing on the trend of increasing international tourism in Africa. According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization, African international arrivals in 2023 reached 96% of pre-pandemic levels, surpassing the global average of 88%. Additionally, consulting firm Deloitte projects a 7.6% compound annual growth rate for the luxury travel market globally until 2030, further highlighting the opportunity for African nations to attract high-end tourists.

To tap into this opportunity, Benin’s official tourism development agency has partnered with the Sofitel Cotonou Marina Hotel & Spa, the country’s first 5-star hotel. This strategic move aims to enhance Cotonou’s appeal as both a leisure and business destination, positioning Benin as a must-see location for travelers seeking luxury experiences. This partnership comes at a time when Africa’s tourism sector is recovering rapidly, and Benin is seeking to capture a share of the growing luxury tourism market in the region.