Abuja: Dr Abisoye Fagade, Director General of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), has announced that Nigeria plans to draw lessons from China’s tourism development strategy to drive economic growth and create jobs while strengthening its tourism sector. Fagade shared this during a seminar on China’s Tourism Development Experience in Abuja, co-hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, NIHOTOUR, and the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA).
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Fagade emphasized the seminar’s significance as the Nigerian government continues its efforts in economic diversification, job creation, human capital development, and investment under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He outlined the initiative’s focus on skills development, destination management, digital transformation, investment, and cultural tourism, which he believes are essential for Nigeria’s tourism sector growth.
Fagade, who recently participated in a tourism development program in Beijing, expressed his belief in the potential of tourism as a powerful tool for economic transformation. He noted that Nigeria possesses the necessary tourism assets, people, and destinations but requires capacity, coordination, and commitment to harness these elements effectively. He cautioned against replicating China’s model mechanically, advocating instead for adaptation to Nigeria’s unique context.
He further stated NIHOTOUR’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with Chinese institutions such as the China Academy of Culture and Tourism Administration (CACTA) and China Tourism Academy, focusing on areas like professional training, curriculum development, tourism research, digital transformation, and knowledge exchange.
Dr Olayiwola Awakan, Director-General of NTDA, echoed Fagade’s sentiments, highlighting the transformative potential of strategic planning, infrastructure development, investment, and public-private collaboration demonstrated by China. Awakan expressed NTDA’s commitment to partnerships aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s competitiveness as a tourism destination.
Mr Yang Jianxing, Director of the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria, highlighted tourism as a bridge connecting people and civilizations, noting the long-standing relationship between Nigeria and China. He emphasized the importance of mutual learning and cooperation in areas such as tourism talent development, eco-tourism, and cultural heritage preservation.
The seminar, attended by Dai Bin, President of the China Tourism Academy, aimed to foster cooperation between Nigerian and Chinese tourism institutions, promoting two-way exchanges and understanding.