Benin is having a moment on the tourism map. The country has picked up four nominations at the 2026 Africa Tourism Awards, Africanews reported on 23 October.
It is in the running for Country Destination of the Year and Cultural Destination of the Year. Benin Tourism is up for Tourism Board of the Year, and its promotional film Explore Benin, A World of Wonders is nominated for Tourism Video of the Year.
How the winners are chosen
Public voting is open until 29 October, and the winners are expected to be announced in London on 1 November. The public vote counts for 20% of the final score; the rest comes from judges and the Balearica Awards College.
The nominations cover both the destination and how it is sold to the world, from its cultural heritage to its tourism board and marketing. For a country working hard to raise its international profile, that recognition alone is valuable publicity, whatever happens in London.

