Exports include crude oil, seed cotton and ginned cotton, palm oil, palm kernel cake and palm kernel oil. Considering the natural sites and cultural heritage of the country, tourism is yet another resource with room to grow. The sector generates approximately FCFA 700 million and employs close to 6,000 people. Beninese tourism went through an unstable period between 1972 and 1989, due to the dictatorial image of the country and to the lack of investment in that sector. A World Bank project is also studying possibilities to improve Benin's infrastructure for tourism.
Future prospects appear good, provided transportation infrastructure is improved.
With the summit of French-speaking countries to be held in Benin in December 1995, the country expects a boost in the tourism sector. The transport sector contributed 7.61 percent of GDP in 1992. It had a growth rate of 4 percent during the period 1989-1993. The International Airport of Cotonou-Cadjehoun receives carriers from Europe and Africa. Connections with the United States are available in Dakar, as well as Paris and Brussels.