The state-owned company, Dubai World (DW) announced on April 17 that it has entered negotiations with the government of Benin to develop large-scale tourist attractions in the West African country, including a 32 kilometre beachfront development, which will be master-planned, as well as an international hotel in the capital city of Porto Novo.
The global holding company executive team met president of Benin, HE Boni Yayi, and discussed potential business partnership opportunities. James Wilson said that the memorandum of understanding with the government of Benin will provide Dubai World Africa with another opportunity to shape eco-tourism in the continent."Dubai World Africa will be sending wildlife and ecology experts from its existing game reserves in South Africa to Benin to evaluate its national parks This is in keeping with the group's strategy to rehabilitate, develop and manage high-end game reserves across the African continent.
Demand for eco-tourism and adventure tourism has shown a 90 percent growth over the past five years and is growing by 20 percent per annum" he said. Dubai World Africa's major projects in the continent include the world-class Shamwari Game Reserve, Sanbona Wildlife Reserve and Jock Safari Lodge in South Africa, which are members of the Mantis Collection.
The company also owns other prime African properties, such as the iconic Victoria & Alfred Waterfront and the Pearl Valley Signature Golf Estate and Spa, both in Cape Town, the Kempinski Beach Resort and Residences in the Comoros, One & Only Zanzibar, Djibouti Palace Kempinski and Nyungwe, Akagera National Park and Gorilla's Nest Lodge all in Rwanda, among others. There are plans for further expansion of its portfolio.
DP World operates ports in Djibouti, Mozambique and Senegal and is in the process of widening its presence in Africa in line with Dubai World's policy of prudent investments in areas that are economically viable for both the host country as well as the company's stakeholders.
