According to ALLCOUNTRYLIST, tourism in Benin is an important part of the country’s economy. As one of the most visited countries in West Africa, Benin offers a wide variety of attractions and activities for tourists to enjoy. From its vibrant cities, to its stunning beaches, to its fascinating cultural heritage sites, Benin has something for everyone. The capital city of Cotonou is the main destination for visitors to Benin. Here tourists can explore a variety of attractions such as the historic Grand Marche market, beautiful beaches along the Atlantic coast, and the lively nightclubs and music venues in town. Other major cities in Benin include Porto-Novo and Abomey; both offer plenty of cultural sites to explore as well as bustling markets and cafés. Benin is also home to a number of spectacular natural attractions such as Pendjari National Park – a wildlife sanctuary located near the border with Burkina Faso; W National Park – a UNESCO World Heritage Site which is home to around 300 species of animals; and Abomey Calavi – a lagoon-side village that offers some great birdwatching opportunities. Visitors can also take part in outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, fishing, canoeing or even horseback riding through some of Benin’s beautiful national parks and reserves. In addition to its natural attractions, Benin also boasts an impressive cultural heritage which can be seen at various historic sites such as Abomey Historical Museum – an open air museum showcasing traditional architecture from the 17th century; Grand Popo Beach – site of an ancient slave trading port; Ganvie – Africa’s largest traditional stilt village; Ouidah Museum – dedicated to preserving the history of slavery in West Africa; and Togo Mountains National Park – home to numerous ancient petroglyphs carved into rocks by pre-colonial inhabitants. The tourism industry in Benin has been growing steadily over recent years thanks largely due to government initiatives aimed at improving infrastructure and security across the country. Tourists are now able visit more easily than ever before with new international airlines arriving regularly at Cotonou International Airport connecting it directly with other major cities around Africa and beyond. The government has also introduced various tax incentives for businesses related to hospitality services which have helped attract more foreign investment into this sector making it even easier for tourists visiting this amazing country. See indexdotcom for Benin Energy and Environment Facts.