The “Nihao China” Tourism Course 2024 was held on Thursday, August 8, at the China Cultural Centre in Abuja, offering participants an in-depth exploration of China’s rich tourism potential.
Hosted by the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria in collaboration with the Tourism Volunteers Network of Nigeria, the event aims to foster greater cultural exchange and tourism collaboration between the two nations.
In his welcome remarks, Li Xuda, Cultural Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy and Director of the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria, emphasized the significance of cultural exchange between Nigeria and China. He highlighted the breathtaking landscapes found in both China and Nigeria, including lush forests, beautiful beaches, and stunning waterfalls, showcasing the immense tourism potential in both countries.
Li reiterated his commitment to fostering people-to-people ties between China and Nigeria. He stressed that cultural and tourism exchanges play a crucial role in social progress and national development, describing them as essential in building mutual respect and understanding.
He commended the Nigerian Tourism Volunteers Network for their contributions to the development of Nigeria’s tourism industry and the enhancement of the country’s image on the global stage.
“To fully realize the potential of tourism, we must harness the power of tourism volunteers,” he stated.
Also speaking, Nenadi Dogo, Acting Director of the Tourism Department at the Social Development Secretariat of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) highlighted the importance of capacity building in the tourism sector as an essential component for fostering mutual understanding between Nigeria and China.
“We firmly believe that enhancing the skills and knowledge of both our tourism staff and volunteers is crucial for realizing the full potential of our cultural exchanges,” she said.
Earlier in his remarks, Phil Roberts, Executive Director of Tourism Volunteers Network expressed excitement about the collaboration with the China Cultural Center, highlighting a shared commitment to unity, resilience, and progress that resonates in both the Nigerian and Chinese national anthems.
“Our collaboration with China is a strategic step towards harnessing the transformative potential of cultural exchange,” Roberts stated.
He stressed that by merging their passion for volunteerism with China’s rich cultural heritage, they aim to create a catalyst for positive change in Africa.
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