As part of the Vodun Days organized from 8 to 10 January in Ouidah, the government reaffirmed its vision of tourism and of the culture of structuring levers for growth and diversification economical.

Speaking on behalf of the Minister Jean-Michel ABIMBOLA prevented, Mrs. Glwadys GANDAHO indicated that the Vodun Days is part of a public policy aimed at promoting heritage living cultural life, while strengthening the international attractiveness of the destination Benin, with respect for values and traditions.

According to the minister, the investments made by the State in the cultural and tourist sectors have reached levels unpublished.

Jean-Michel Abimbola said: “we have invested a whopping 1,250 billion CFA francs, or just over 2 billion euros, over the decade that is coming to an end.” To these amounts are added new projections, “the equivalent of 900 billion CFA francs will be invested again for the next five years.”

These investments translate according to the government a clear strategic choice. For the minister, “public policy in cultural and tourist area is a major focus of our country's development policy.” He also indicated that culture is now “an essential pillar for creating employment in benefit young people, create wealth and have a positive impact on GDP.”

This strategy is based on several segments: religious tourism linked to Vodun, memory tourism around the slave trade, as well as cultural industries and creative.