The Role of Translation in Promoting Tourism in Benin

Abstract

This study, entitled "The role of translation in promoting tourism in Benin", addresses the problem of ineffective communication and inadequate translation in Benin's tourism sector. In order to fill this gap, three objectives have been set, namely (1) to analyse the link between translation and tourism in Benin, (2) to identify the constraints linked to the practice of tourism-related translation, and (3) to propose concrete solutions for improving communication and translation in the tourism sector. To carry out this study, an exploratory research methodology that combines qualitative and quantitative approaches was used. Data were collected from translators specializing in tourism in Benin, using a questionnaire administered via Google Forms. The data were processed and analysed using IBM SPSS 21 software. According to the results, translation is of great importance in tourism in Benin as it plays a crucial role in facilitating communication between tourists and local stakeholders, providing clear information about tourist attractions and promoting cultural exchange. However, the lack of qualified translators in common tourist languages, low awareness of the importance of translation in the tourism sector, and problems with the coordination and quality of translations in tourism documents and services are constraints on the practice of tourism-related translation. To overcome these constraints, it is recommended to train translators specialising in tourism, to raise awareness of the importance of translation in the tourism sector, to encourage collaboration between tourism stakeholders and translators, and to use advanced translation technologies. These solutions could help improve the overall tourism experience in Benin.