Strengthening Afro-Brazilian Ties: Benin and Bahia Explore Direct Flights and Tourism Opportunities
Cotonou–
A landmark meeting took place in Benin Republic yesterday, in Cotonou, bringing together key tourism stakeholders from Benin and representatives from Bahia, Brazil, at the invitation of Benin’s Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Arts. This collaboration aims to deepen cultural, economic, and tourism ties between the two regions, with discussions anchored around enhancing connectivity and promoting shared heritage.
Bahia Delegation and Key Discussions:
The Bahia delegation included Mr. Mario Bruni, General Director of Conquest Operadora de Turismo, and Mr. Hugo Dourado, Director of New Opportunities. They joined Beninese officials and tourism leaders to discuss several pivotal initiatives such as;
- Direct Flights: A transformative project for direct flights between Bahia-Salvador, Brazil, and Cotonou, Benin, was highlighted. This connection would cut travel time from 24 hours to 6 hours, enhancing the movement of goods and passengers and fostering stronger Afro-Brazilian ties.
- Tourism and Trade Exchanges: The meeting explored developing business tourism, cultural exchanges, and historical connections. Both regions share deep historical and cultural ties, with Bahia being a hub of Afro-descendant heritage and Benin the cradle of significant African diasporic history.
- Benin’s Strategic Role: Mr. Dine Bouraima, President of CTMB and Vice-President of the African Tourism Board, underscored the strategic importance of the direct flight. He described it as a critical bridge for Afro-descendants in South America to reconnect with their roots, facilitated by a recent Beninese law allowing Afro-descendants to acquire Beninese nationality. The initiative is seen as a pathway to rediscovering Benin’s rich cultural and historical offerings.
Positioning Benin as a Regional Hub:
Mr. Bouraima emphasized the need to align the project within a regional framework, leveraging Benin’s proximity to major markets like Nigeria, Togo, and Niger. This enhanced connectivity could transform Benin into a vital hub for West Africa, unlocking economic and cultural opportunities for the entire sub-region.
Next Steps and Vision:
The meeting concluded with a commitment to ongoing discussions under bilateral agreements. Benin’s Ministry of Tourism reaffirmed its full support for the project, aligning it with the country’s broader vision of positioning itself as a premier tourism destination ahead of the 2025 launch of Destination Benin.
This collaboration marks a bold step in fostering Afro-Brazilian solidarity, boosting trade and tourism, and celebrating shared heritage. The direct flight project symbolizes a new era of partnership, creating opportunities for cultural exchange, economic growth, and sustainable tourism development.
