China To Nigeria: Prioritize Investment In Tourism For Economic Growth
By Bukar BOLORI
China has advised Nigerian government to prioritize investments in safety, infrastructure, and tourism promotion to drive economic growth and development in the country.
The advice was given on Tuesday in Abuja by the Cultural Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria and Director of the China Cultural Centre, Mr. Yang Jianxing, while presenting his remarks at the Nigeria-China Seminar on Tourism, Hospitality, and Culture 2024.
Yang emphasized the potential of Nigeria’s tourism sector in enhancing GDP and fostering sustainable development.
The seminar was themed: “Promoting Nigeria-China Tourism, Hospitality, and Cultural Potentials and Services for Sustainable Development”.
He said: “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 while highlighting that tourism not only contributes to economic growth but also fosters cultural exchange and strengthens international friendships, said: “I hope more Chinese tourists will visit Nigeria to experience its vibrant culture, art, and natural beauty.”
He also underscored China’s accomplishments in the tourism sector, noting that the Chinese Ministry of Culture and Tourism 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 noted 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%.
On his part, the Director General of the China General Chamber of Commerce in Nigeria, Cui Guang-Zhen, while calling for increased investment, echoed the call for greater investment in tourism.
Guang-Zhen, while highlighting Nigeria’s cultural diversity, said: “With over 100 languages, Nigeria is rich in cultural and tourism resources.
He noted that 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.”
The Director General of the China General Chamber of Commerce in Nigeria, who has lived in Nigeria for a decade and visited popular destinations like Calabar, emphasized the need for infrastructure development and targeted initiatives to attract international visitors.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy Mr. Raphael Obi, noted the transformative power of the tourism and hospitality sectors.
Obi, who was represented by Blessing Ogar, stated in hat: “These industries are pivotal drivers of economic growth, reducing unemployment and empowering underserved communities, particularly youth and women.”
He commended China’s integration of tourism and cultural heritage into its economic framework, citing it as a model for Nigeria.
He noted that: “This seminar provides a timely platform to exchange ideas and foster partnerships that will benefit both nations.”
