The Director, China Cultural Centre and the Cultural Counselor, Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, Mr. Yang Jianxing, has underscored the need to invest in Nigeria’s tourism potentials and the sector to enhancing GDP and foster sustainable development.
Mr. Jianxing, made the call at the Nigeria-China Seminar on Tourism, Hospitality, and Culture 2024, in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
He also said, if the tourism potentials is properly harnessed, it will promote and drive economic growth.
“Nigeria, as the most populous country in Africa, boasts a rich history, stunning natural landscapes, and unique cultural assets such as music, dance, art, and clothing. Tourism has immense potential to drive development,” Yang said.
According to the Envoy, tourism does not only contribute to economic growth but also fosters cultural exchange and strengthens international friendships.
“I hope more Chinese tourists will visit Nigeria to experience its vibrant culture, art, and natural beauty,” he said.
In his presentation, the Director, International Research Institute, Chinese Tourism Academy, Mr. Yang Jinsong, underscored China’s accomplishments in the tourism sector.
“According to the Chinese Ministry of Culture and Tourism, China recorded 4.89 billion domestic tourists, 87.63 million outbound tourists, and 82.03 million inbound tourists in 2023, with further growth seen in 2024”, he said
Mr. Jinsong, also presented a global perspective referencing the World Travel and Tourism Council’s 2022 report predicting an average annual growth rate of 5.8% for the global tourism industry over the next decade, outpacing the global economic growth rate of 2.7%.
Also speaking the Director General, the China General Chamber of Commerce in Nigeria, Dr Cui Guang-Zhen, emphasised on more investment in tourism, so as to draw more investors to Nigeria, highlighting Nigeria’s cultural diversity.
“With over 100 languages, Nigeria is rich in cultural and tourism resources. Nigerian music, featuring global stars like Burna Boy and Wizkid, is already a worldwide sensation. However, more investment is needed to harness its tourism potential,” he said.
Dr. Guang-Zhen, stressed on the need for infrastructure development and targeted initiatives to attract international visitors.
On his part, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, Mr Raphael Obi, who was represented by Blessing Ogar, noted that tourism and hospitality sectors, has the power to transform nations economy .
“These industries are pivotal drivers of economic growth, reducing unemployment and empowering underserved communities, particularly youth and women. This seminar provides a timely platform to exchange ideas and foster partnerships that will benefit both nations,” he noted
For the Leader, Youth Tourism Development Organisation, Mr. Okon Emmanuel, Tourism, “Is an initiative targeted at exploring the opportunities provided by the China- Nigeria bilateral relationship. The seminar is also intended to encourage capacity and training of practitioner, Chinese government and private organisations and individual investors to invest in the myriad untapped natural and man-made tourism, hospitality and cultural potentials that abound in Nigeria”, he said
Other highlights at the Seminar, with the theme “Promoting Nigeria-China Tourism, Hospitality, and Cultural Potentials and Services for Sustainable Development”. Includes: Dance performance from different ethnic groups, Cultural food display and paper presentation.
Olusola Akintonde
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