West African destination Benin is gaining international tourism recognition after winning four awards at the 2026 Africa Tourism Awards in London, highlighting its growing appeal as a destination for culture, history and heritage.
Drone photo of Lake Nokoue (Cotonou – Republic of Benin)/By: Driss BENGELOUNE
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The ceremony, held on 1 November, saw Benin named Tourism Destination of the Year and Cultural Destination of the Year. Benin Tourism also received the Tourism Board of the Year award, while the country won Tourism Video of the Year.
The awards recognise destinations and tourism organisations contributing to the growth of the African travel industry.
The latest recognition comes as Benin continues to invest in its tourism offering, with a focus on restoring historical landmarks, developing cultural attractions and improving infrastructure to welcome international visitors.
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A destination rich in history and culture
Beyond the awards, Benin offers travellers a combination of historical sites, traditional festivals and natural attractions.
One of its best-known attractions is Ganvié, a remarkable stilt village built over Lake Nokoué. Often referred to as the Venice of Africa, it offers visitors a glimpse into a way of life shaped by the surrounding waterways.
The country’s cultural heritage can also be explored at the Royal Palaces of Abomey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that preserves the history of the former Kingdom of Dahomey.
Other attractions include the traditional Tata houses of the Batammariba people, the coastal town of Grand-Popo and the scenic hills of Dassa.
Benin also hosts several cultural celebrations throughout the year. These include Vodun Days in Ouidah, the Festival of Masks in Porto-Novo and the Gaani celebrations in Nikki, offering visitors opportunities to experience the country’s living traditions.
Benin continues to attract international attention
The four awards add to a growing list of international recognitions for the West African country.
In 2024, Benin featured on Lonely Planet’s list of the 10 best countries to visit. It was also included in travel magazine AFAR’s Where to Go in 2025 selection.
More recently, the country’s pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka received a Gold Award in the Exhibition and Design category from the Bureau International des Expositions. In 2026, Benin was also named Best International Destination at the Afrotourism Awards in Brazil.
According to IOL, Benin Tourism director general Sindé Chékété said the latest accolades recognised the country’s investment in tourism, its cultural heritage and the work of those contributing to the development of the sector.
The recognition also supports the country’s tourism brand, Benin, a World of Wonders, which aims to strengthen its international profile and attract visitors to its cultural and natural attractions.
With its historical landmarks, distinctive traditions and varied landscapes, Benin is working to establish itself as a destination worth exploring in West Africa.
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