Audience at the Office of the Minister in charge of Tourism: A New Breath for African and International Tourism

COTONOU-

On Friday, July 11, 2025, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and the Arts of Benin, Mr. Babalola Jean Michel Hervé ABIMBOLA, granted an audience to Mr. Mouinou Dine BOURAÏMA, President of the Africa-International Tourism and Economic Council (AITEC World).

During the meeting, Mr. BOURAÏMA — a private sector actor in the tourism industry and President of the Consortium Touristes par Milliers (CTM) — presented the vision and strategy of this new African and international organization soon to be officially launched. Operating under the slogan “Linking Africa to the World and the World to Africa”, the organization is composed of committed private actors from several African and global countries. It aims to reposition Africa as a central player in global tourism and economic development.

Amb. Bouraima, President of AITEC World speaking during the visit while Minister Abimbola, listened in his office in Cotonou

The President of AITEC World presented key aspects of the project and extended an invitation to the Minister to attend as a Guest of Honour the official multi-city launch ceremonies scheduled to take place in Abuja (August 14, 2025), Addis Ababa (November 5–8, 2025) during Africa Celebrates 2025 and London (November 4–6, 2026), on the sidelines of the World Travel Market (WTM).

Welcoming this hopeful and forward-looking initiative, Minister ABIMBOLA offered insightful advice on good governance and effective development strategy. He emphasized the importance of rigorous and inclusive management to ensure the success of this ambitious project, designed to serve Africa and the world.