… Our hotels are safe, clean, cheap – stakeholders
Consortium Touristes Par Million Au Benin (CTM-Benin), the organised tourism private sector of Benin Republic, has opened doors to visitors and guests to the country’s destinations and hospitality offerings, noting that stability has returned after a foiled coup attempt.
While commending security forces for their timely action to save democracy in the country, CTM-Benin noted that the action has also saved the country’s thriving tourism industry, especially the hospitality sector, which has sustained an impressive growth in recent times.
Speaking on the development, Dine Bouraim, president, CTM-Benin and owner of Benin Royal Hotel Cotonou, reaffirmed the consortium’s unwavering commitment to peace, security, and national cohesion; values it described as fundamental to the vitality of the tourism industry and to Benin’s wider economic development.
“Benin remains a welcoming, resilient, and forward-looking destination,” Bouraim assured. “We encourage all tourism and economic stakeholders, as well as our national and international partners, to maintain confidence in the strength of our country and in the continuity of our collective efforts.
“CTM-Benin remains fully engaged alongside the institutions of the Republic and all operators to maintain a stable environment conducive to development”.
Reiterating his message to delegates at the first Nigeria-Benin Republic Tourism Exchange in Cotonou last July, the CTM-Benin president insisted that “Benin is safe. Very safe. It is clean and cheap too”.
Also assuring visitors of safety, Olanma Alvanis Ojukwu, chief executive officer, GOTA Voyages and a member of CTM Benin, said that the Benin Republic government restored full border and internal controls within hours of the December 7, 2025, coup attempt.
“We proudly confirm that all Christmas and New Year tourism programmes are proceeding exactly as planned, without any disruption. Benin remains safe, stable, well-organised, and fully prepared to welcome visitors from around the world in its cities, hotels, beaches and tourism sites,” Ojukwu said.
Read also: Time to enjoy Christmas like a legend
Ojukwu, a Nigerian-born airhostess, who now runs an international travel and tour company based in Cotonou, noted that the foiled coup is one of the unforeseen challenges in the tourism industry, but as usual, Benin Republic has shown resilience amid the challenge.
“African tourism is resilient, determined, and rising. Temporary challenges will no longer define our story. We move forward, stronger, united, and unwavering,” she concluded.
Jean-Maria Dokpa, an executive of Villa Ekabo Resort Cotonou, assured that the country is safe and is set to host visitors this festive season across its cities and destinations.
“We don’t have book cancellations, our guests have confirmed their stays for the festive season and we are also set to host them for a memorable festive experience,” Dokpa said.
Adugba Ankro, a manager at Casa del Papa Resort & SPA, Quidah, called on intending Nigerian holidaymakers and others from the West African region to seek solace in the abundant nature offerings within the region this festive season.
“There is no reason to take our money outside of West Africa and the continent,” Ankro said. “We have always been peaceful and safe. Come to Benin Republic, visit Quidah this festive season and you will smile back home with memorable experiences”, he assured.
He discouraged African tourists from seeking destinations outside the continent for holiday this festive season, while urging them to look inwards to domestic and regional offerings like Casa del Papa Resort & SPA, Quidah.
Moreover, the CTM-Benin appreciated the prayers of the international tourism community and from others across the world to Benin Republic during the recent challenge, while inviting global tourists to the beauties of Cotonou, historic and cultural Quidah, enthralling Port Novo and Ganvie, the sprawling beaches and exciting culture and the good people of the country this festive season.
