Kalo Africa Media, Exparts Partners, and Consortium Touristes Par Million Au Benin (CTM-Benin) are proud to announce the Nigeria-Benin Tourism Forum, a landmark event aimed at strengthening tourism collaboration between Nigeria and Benin.
The forum, themed “Harnessing Tourism Potential for Mutual Development,” will be held from the 12th to 14th of September 2024 at the Benin Royal Hotel, Cotonou.
With deep historical and cultural ties, Nigeria and Benin share a rich heritage that dates back centuries, particularly among the Yoruba people of southwestern Nigeria and the Fon people of Benin. 
Both nations are located along the ancient trans-Saharan trade routes that connected West Africa to the Mediterranean world.
Culturally intertwined and geographically adjacent, these nations possess vast potential in the tourism sector, driven by shared traditions, historic sites, and cultural diversity.
The Nigeria-Benin Tourism Forum will seek to harness this untapped tourism potential, focusing on key areas of collaboration such as cultural exchange, heritage tourism, and creative industries. 
By promoting a bilateral tourism initiative, the event aims to create a sustainable tourism model that will benefit both nations economically and culturally.
Ambassador Kazeem Balogun, CEO of Kalo Africa Media and co-convener of the forum, expressed optimism about the forum’s impact. “The need to create synergy between Nigeria and Benin through tourism cannot be overemphasized.
“Both countries possess a wealth of culture and creativity, and by leveraging these assets, we can foster mutual development. This forum is a major step towards achieving that goal,” Balogun stated.
Paulin Vissoh, CEO of Exparts Partners, echoed Balogun’s sentiments, affirming Benin’s readiness to host the event.
“This collaboration between Nigeria and Benin is long overdue, and I am confident that the discussions and agreements forged at this forum will lead to lasting benefits for both nations in terms of tourism development.”
The event will be held under the esteemed patronage of Hon. Dine Bouraima, Vice President of the African Tourism Board, Mr. Mamadou Racine SY, President of the Confederation of Tourism Presidents in West Africa, and Mr. Sètondji Luc ATROKPO, Mayor of Cotonou and President of the National Association of Benin Mayors.
Key highlights of the three-day event include: Conference and panel sessions: featuring experts in tourism, culture, and bilateral trade, these sessions will explore the strategies for building sustainable tourism partnerships.
Fireside chats: informal discussions on topics such as cultural preservation, tourism investments, and youth engagement in tourism.
Cultural entertainment: performances showcasing the music, dance, and artistry of Nigeria and Benin. Gala and awards night: an evening recognizing individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to tourism in West Africa.
Guided tours: visits to iconic cities and cultural landmarks in Benin, including Porto-Novo, showcasing the nation’s rich heritage.
One of the most anticipated activities is the Nigeria-Benin Foods and Drinks Festival, which will take place in Porto-Novo. This festival will celebrate the culinary traditions of both nations, providing a platform to highlight their rich and diverse gastronomy.
The Nigeria-Benin Tourism Forum is expected to be a transformative event for both countries, unlocking new opportunities for collaboration and paving the way for a future of shared growth in the tourism sector.
About Kalo Africa Media: a leading media organization focused on promoting tourism, culture, and heritage across Africa.
About Exparts Partners: a tourism consultancy firm dedicated to fostering tourism development in Benin and across the West African region.
About CTM-Benin: Consortium Touristes Par Million Au Benin (CTM-Benin) is a tourism initiative aimed at increasing the visibility of Benin as a prime tourism destination in West Africa.
