Cotonou, Benin, to Host First African Black Travel Summit
First African Black Travel Summit in Cotonou, Benin, 2027, a milestone for African tourism and travel professionals.
The Black Travel Summit will hold its first African edition in Cotonou, Benin, in 2027. The announcement came at the Black Travel Awards Gala in Milwaukee on October 17, 2026.
Benin Tourism will partner with the summit organizers to host travel professionals and creators from Africa, the Americas, the Caribbean, Europe, and other regions.
A Milestone for African Tourism
The event marks a significant step for the summit, founded in the United States in 2019 by Anita Moreau. After expanding to Rio de Janeiro in 2025 and returning to Milwaukee in 2026, the summit now heads to West Africa.
From Rio to Cotonou
The Benin partnership began at the 2025 Rio summit, where Benin Tourism representatives met with the summit team. This led to plans for an African edition, highlighting how professional connections at one event can lead to new host-destination relationships.
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The summit’s focus on connecting Black travel businesses and creators with global partners aligns with Benin’s goal of increasing international awareness of its tourism sector.
Industry Impact and Potential
MMGY Travel Intelligence, in partnership with the Black Travel Alliance and the National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals, estimates that Black leisure travelers in the United States made 184.12 million trips in 2023, spending $145 billion.
Looking Ahead
While the host city and year are confirmed, details such as exact dates, program information, and participation arrangements for the 2027 event remain pending. Organizers state that these will be announced through official channels in due course.
Benin’s Tourism Strategy and Summit Goals
Benin Tourism aims to use the summit to introduce its tourism sector to industry professionals and individual travelers. The agency sees this as part of its efforts to expand international awareness and strengthen diaspora connections. By partnering with the summit organizers, Benin seeks to connect with travel entrepreneurs, advisers, hospitality businesses, and creators from various regions.
