The African Travel Commission [ATC] is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Dine Bouraima, President of the Benin Republic Tourism Federation, as Co-Chair of the African Travel Commission [ATC].

The appointment, which takes immediate effect, was approved by the leadership of the Commission in recognition of Mr. Bouraima’s outstanding contribution to tourism development in the Republic of Benin and his commitment to advancing regional and continental tourism cooperation.

Mr. Bouraima is widely respected within West Africa’s tourism and hospitality industry for his leadership in promoting sustainable tourism, private-sector participation, cultural heritage preservation, and destination marketing. His extensive experience in tourism administration and stakeholder engagement is expected to further strengthen ATC’s mission of fostering a more integrated, competitive, and prosperous African tourism industry.

Announcing the appointment, Dr. Lucky Onoriode George, Executive Director of the African Travel Commission, described Mr. Bourama as “a distinguished tourism leader whose experience, vision, and commitment to African tourism development will add tremendous value to the work of the Commission.”

“Mr. Dine Bouraima has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership in promoting Benin as an emerging tourism destination. His appointment as Co-Chair reflects ATC’s confidence in his capacity to contribute meaningfully to the continental tourism agenda and to support stronger collaboration among African tourism stakeholders,” Dr. George stated.

In his acceptance remarks, Mr. Bouraima expressed appreciation for the confidence reposed in him and reaffirmed his dedication to promoting tourism as a catalyst for economic growth, job creation, cultural exchange, and regional integration across Africa.

“I am honoured by this appointment and look forward to working closely with the leadership and members of the African Travel Commission to advance intra-African travel, strengthen tourism partnerships, and position Africa as a leading global tourism destination,” he said.

As Co-Chair, Mr. Bouraima will support the Commission’s strategic initiatives, including policy advocacy, tourism investment promotion, destination branding, research, capacity building, and the implementation of programmes aimed at enhancing cross-border tourism and regional connectivity.

Speaking, Mr. Ola Awakan, the Co-Chair of the ATC and Director General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority [ATC], Nigeria’s national tourism agency praised the section of Mr. Dine to work with him in expanding the frontier and building bridges that will propel the tourism sector to prosperity.

According to him, Benin, Nigeria and indeed Africa have the potential to make tourism as a preferred driver of many more national economies across the continent. 

Mr. Dine letter of appointment was presented to him by the duo of Mrs. Susan Akporiaye, Board member of the ATC and Mr. Christian Pascal Couthon, Technical Adviser for Tourism and Hospitality who represented Mr. Olushegun Adjadi Bakari, Minister of Tourism and Foreign Trade, in charge of Industry and the Promotion of Private Investment of Benin Republic.

Before the presentation, Mr. Couthon made a brilliant presentation of what Benin Republic has been doing, what has been put in place and the plan for the future of how the West African country has transformed the country infrastructure and the general upgrade of all major tourism attractions, whilst some are still on going and call on Africans to take advantage of the free visa policy to all Africans to visit the country.

In attendance was His Majesty, Daagbo Hounon Tomadjlèhoukpon Hounwamènou Mètogbokandji II of Quidah, Mr. Kazeem Balogun, Vice President for Communication and International Relations of Africa- International Tourism and Economic Council [AITEC World] and some executive members of the Consortium Touristes Par Millions Au Benin amongst others.

The African Travel Commission believes that his appointment will deepen collaboration between public and private sector tourism stakeholders across West Africa and the wider continent, while reinforcing Benin’s growing role in Africa’s tourism landscape.

About the African Travel Commission [ATC]

The African Travel Commission [ATC] is a pan-African tourism organization dedicated to promoting tourism development, research, marketing, investment, and regional cooperation across Africa. The Commission works with governments, tourism boards, private-sector operators, development institutions, and international partners to advance sustainable tourism growth and enhance Africa’s global tourism competitiveness.

Media Contact:
Dr. Lucky Onoriode George
Executive Director, African Travel Commission [ATC]
Email: info@africantravelcommission.org
Website: www.africantravelcommission.org