China and Africa strengthen cultural and tourism cooperation

The 2024 China-Africa Cultural and Tourism Exchange and Cooperation Conference recently concluded in Jinhua, Zhejiang Province, eastern China.

Themed “Hearts Connected Along the Cultural Silk Road: China and Africa Hand in Hand,” the event underscored commitments to deepen and enhance Sino-African collaboration in culture and tourism.

Tourism’s pivotal role in Africa’s economic growth was highlighted during the conference.

Participants expressed hope that this platform would pave the way for robust dialogue, advancing the China-Africa Cultural Silk Road project, and implementing the ten “Partnership Action Plans” outlined at the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).

The action plans span a wide range of initiatives, including cultural exchange, industrial collaboration, trade, connectivity, health, agricultural development, environmental sustainability, and shared security.

Xu Peng, Vice-President of the International Tourism Alliance, emphasized the vast potential for cultural and tourism cooperation between China and Africa.

“We look forward to broader and deeper collaboration to diversify tourism products, enhance service quality, and expand markets.

The AIT will continue to leverage its resources to strengthen partnerships with international tourism organizations and African governments, injecting fresh vitality into sustainable Sino-African tourism development,” Xu stated.

Zanzibar’s Principal Secretary for Tourism and Heritage, Aboud Suleiman Jumbe, hailed the conference as a significant milestone under the Belt and Road Initiative and FOCAC framework.

He expressed hope that Tanzania and other African nations would further promote their cultural and tourism resources while tapping into emerging markets.

“This collaboration will help protect cultural heritage and open a new chapter in China-Africa cultural and tourism cooperation,” he added.

Tang Xiaoyun, Deputy Director of the Chinese Tourism Academy, called for integrating advanced technologies to build a more open Sino-African tourism system.

“Currently, 34 African nations are open to Chinese tourist groups.

We need a connected tourism network, a business development alliance, and an information-sharing platform to foster long-term cooperation,” she explained.

As many African countries prioritize culture and tourism to rejuvenate their economies, the conference spotlighted shared strategies and best practices.

The growing partnership aims to promote cultural understanding and economic development, contributing to the vision of an enduring China-Africa community with a shared future.