Nigeria to learn tourism expansion strategies from China
Nigeria is determined to learn how to transform its tourism sector from China, according to the Director General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTD), Dr Ola Awakan. In a speech delivered at the Seminar on China’s tourism development experience organised by the Chinese embassy in Abuja on Tuesday, Dr Awakan said China’s remarkable transformation […]
Nigeria aims to learn how to revitalize its tourism industry from China, according to Dr Ola Awakan, Director General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTD). Speaking at a seminar organized by the Chinese embassy in Abuja, Dr Awakan highlighted the importance of strategic planning, infrastructure development, investment, branding, innovation, human capital growth, and public-private partnerships in China's tourism success.
He emphasized that while Nigeria seeks to leverage tourism for economic diversification, cultural diplomacy, and sustainable development, there are valuable lessons to be learned from China while adapting these strategies to Nigeria's unique context.
Dr Abisoye Fagade, CEO of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), viewed the seminar as a crucial moment for Nigeria as it pursues a new economic direction under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda. Fagade stressed that while China's experience should not be copied verbatim, it is essential to learn from and adapt the lessons to Nigeria's circumstances to create a distinct Nigerian tourism model.
He emphasized that the seminar is not just about discussing China's tourism experience but also about fostering a strong relationship between Nigeria and China, translating that friendship into skills, investment, jobs, and sustainable tourism development.
Chinese Counsellor Yang Jianxing expressed optimism about the potential for tourism development between China and Nigeria, given their rich histories, diverse cultures, and vast tourism resources. Yang emphasized that tourism serves as a vital link connecting people, nations, and civilizations. He assured that China is eager to deepen tourism exchanges and cooperation with Nigeria.
Yang pointed out that China has gained extensive experience in public tourism services, destination development, cultural-tourism integration, smart tourism, market promotion, and talent cultivation. He emphasized that the seminar aims to facilitate mutual learning rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all model on Nigeria. Yang expressed enthusiasm for strengthening exchanges and collaboration in areas such as talent development, vocational education, hotel management, eco-tourism, cultural heritage preservation, digitalisation, marketing, and business partnerships.
He confidently stated that such cooperation could transform the respective strengths of Nigeria and China into engines of shared development.
Written by urgent.news from Daily Trust's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
