The West Africa Tourism Organisation (WATO) has announced a new series of trips to promote tourism across the region. This initiative is part of the West Africa Integrated Travel (WAIT) project, which began in 2017 to encourage travel between West African countries.

The first trip of the 2024/25 season will take tour operators and journalists from Nigeria, Togo, and Ghana to the Republic of Benin. They will visit Casa del Papa Resort and Spa in Ouidah and explore attractions like water sports, the Python Temple, the Sacred Forest, the Gate of No Return, and the Amazon Statue.

Ola Wright, President of WATO, explained that the trips aim to highlight Benin’s cultural, historical, and natural sites. They also hope to encourage travel between Nigeria, Togo, Ghana, and Benin. By providing tour operators and journalists with firsthand experiences, WATO aims to better promote West Africa as a travel destination. Additionally, these trips are meant to build stronger ties among West African tourism leaders.

“We are excited to start these trips as part of our efforts to boost regional tourism through the WAIT project. By bringing together tour operators and journalists from across West Africa, we hope to encourage more collaboration and showcase the amazing diversity and beauty of our region. The Republic of Benin, with its rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes, is the perfect place to start,” Wright stated.

According to him, these trips reflect WATO’s commitment to boosting the economy through tourism and promoting cooperation within the region, aiming to make West Africa a top travel destination.