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African countries should target Chinese tourists, collaborate and resolve issues that discourage tourists from traveling to the continent, African tourism stakeholders told Africa Resilient Thursday.
Taleb Rifai, former secretary-general of the UN's World Tourism Organization, told Xinhua that governments should take tourism seriously.
"Tourism is the new oil that never runs out, but continues to create income and jobs – the more you care, the more it grows contrary to natural resources," he said.
Rifai pointed out that China is the main contributor to tourism in terms of tourist issuers and that it could increase their number. The Chinese are willing to come to Africa if conditions permit.
"We must make them feel welcome, facilitate their arrival, improve visas and air links," said Rifai.
Former Seychelles Minister of Tourism and Culture, Alain St. Ange, said African countries should take care to welcome the Chinese.
"China is the main source market of tourism with specificities.We must ensure that there are Chinese-speaking people in some tourist resorts in order to be able to communicate with tourists.We must also integrate part of the Chinese cuisine and inform him of what we can offer, "he suggested.
Munesushe Munodawafa, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Tourism and Hospitality in Zimbabwe, said that there was a growing population of wealthy Chinese seeking areas to visit as a tourist or investor. In addition to his office in Beijing, he is opening an office in Shanghai and two other cities in China to facilitate travel.
"We have a lot of respect for China for what it has achieved in a short time.We want the good political relations we have with the Chinese government to reflect the benefits not only between governments but also for businesses and the population, "he added.
The Africa Resilience Summit began on July 22 and will end on July 26.
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