The Director of the China Cultural Centre and Cultural Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, Yang Jianxing, has stressed the need for increased investment in Nigeria’s tourism sector to enhance its GDP and promote sustainable development.
Speaking at the Nigeria-China Seminar on 2024 Tourism, Hospitality, and Culture in Abuja, Jianxing noted that Nigeria’s tourism potential, when properly harnessed, could drive significant 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.
He added that tourism not only contributes 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 stated.
In his presentation, the Director of the International Research Institute at the Chinese Tourism Academy, Yang Jinsong, highlighted 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.
Jinsong also referenced a global outlook, noting, “According to the World Travel and Tourism Council’s 2022 report, the global tourism industry is predicted to grow at an average annual rate of 5.8% over the next decade, outpacing the global economic growth rate of 2.7%.”
The Director General of the China General Chamber of Commerce in Nigeria, Dr Cui Guang-Zhen, also emphasised the importance of investing in tourism to attract more investors and harness Nigeria’s rich 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. Cui Guang-Zhen emphasised the critical need for infrastructure development and targeted initiatives to attract international visitors to Nigeria. Speaking at the Nigeria-China Seminar on 2024 Tourism, Hospitality, and Culture in Abuja, he underscored that a robust tourism framework could catalyse the nation’s economic transformation.
On his part, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, Mr Raphael Obi, represented by Blessing Ogar, highlighted the transformative potential of the tourism and hospitality sectors.
“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.
The Leader of the Youth Tourism Development Organisation, Mr. Okon Emmanuel, explained the seminar’s focus on leveraging the China-Nigeria bilateral relationship.
“This 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 practitioners, 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.
Themed “Promoting Nigeria-China Tourism, Hospitality, and Cultural Potentials and Services for Sustainable Development,” the seminar featured various highlights, including dance performances from different ethnic groups, a cultural food display, and paper presentations.
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