Li Xuda, the Cultural Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, has called for the strategic use of tourism volunteers to enhance the tourism sector and strengthen the bilateral relationship between Nigeria and China. Speaking at the “Nihao China” Tourism Course 2024 held in Abuja on Friday, Li, who also serves as the Director of the China Cultural Center in Nigeria, emphasized the significant role of cultural and tourism exchange in driving social progress and national development.
Li highlighted that both China and Nigeria are rich in cultural heritage and tourism resources, making it essential to harness the power of tourism volunteers to promote these assets effectively. He also noted the UNWTO’s recognition of tourism as one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing industries.
The event saw Li commending the Nigerian Tourism Volunteers Network for its vital contributions to the growth of Nigeria’s tourism industry and the enhancement of the country’s global image.
Nenadi Dogo, Acting Director of the Tourism Department at the Social Development Secretariat, FCTA, stressed the importance of investing in capacity building to improve tourism services and ensure sustainable efforts in fostering friendship. She pointed out the need to overcome language barriers to fully unlock the benefits of cultural exchange, likening it to the historical Silk Road connecting diverse civilizations.
Phil Roberts, Director of the Tourism Volunteers Network, remarked that their collaboration with China is a strategic initiative aimed at leveraging cultural exchange through volunteerism to drive positive change in Africa by combining their passion for volunteering with China’s rich cultural heritage.
Credit: NAN (Text Excluding Headline)
