How China, Nigeria cooperation in tourism, education, others will benefit nations – Centre

The China Cultural Centre in Nigeria (CCCIN) has said it is looking forward to the Asian country and Nigeria strengthening exchanges and deepening cooperation in areas such as tourism talent development, vocational tourism education, hotel management, eco-tourism, cultural heritage preservation, tourism digitalization, destination marketing, and business partnerships, among others.

The centre stated this Tuesday in Abuja, during a Seminar on China’s Tourism Development Experience, co-hosted with the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) and the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA).

Speaking at the event, the Cultural Counsellor of Chinese Embassy and Director of CCCIN, Mr Yang Jianxing, said the Centre will continue to promote tourism exchange and cooperation between China and Nigeria, thereby transforming their respective strengths into a driving force for shared development.

He said: “Tourism serves as a vital bridge connecting people, nations, and civilizations. Both China and Nigeria are nations with long histories, diverse cultures, and abundant tourism resources. Whether it is China’s magnificent landscapes and profound history and culture, or Nigeria’s rich natural scenery, vibrant ethnic cultures, and hospitable people, both countries possess immense potential for tourism development.

“This year marks the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Nigeria, as well as the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges. Over the past 55 years, the friendship between our two nations has deepened, and cooperation in fields such as culture, education, and tourism has grown increasingly close.

“The heads of state of both countries attach great importance to people-to-people exchanges and tourism cooperation. In recent years, China and Nigeria have engaged in active exchanges regarding tourism education, hotel management, talent development, and destination promotion. This seminar represents a beneficial initiative to foster mutual learning and shared development within the tourism industries of both countries.

“I believe that tourism not only creates jobs and fosters economic growth but also brings people from different countries closer together, enabling them to understand and appreciate one another. Through tourism exchanges, we can further enhance mutual understanding and friendship between the peoples of China and Nigeria, injecting new momentum into the building of an even closer friendly and cooperative relationship between our two nations.”

Also speaking, Director General/CEO
National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), Dr. Abisoye Fagade, said the summit is an opportunity to deepen the friendship between Nigeria and China and, more importantly, to translate that friendship into skills, investment, jobs, stronger institutions and sustainable tourism development.

“China’s experience should not be copied mechanically. We should learn from what China has done, adapt the lessons to Nigeria’s realities, and build a uniquely Nigerian tourism model. That is the spirit of the Renewed Hope Agenda: identifying what works, building Nigerian capacity and turning opportunities into tangible benefits for our people,” he said.