The 2024 Conference on China-Africa Cultural and Tourism Cooperation & Exchange convened on November 8 in Jinhua, Zhejiang Province, under the theme “Cultural Silk Road Communication, China-Africa Hand in Hand.” Co-hosted by the Bureau of International Exchanges and Cooperation, Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the China Tourism Academy, and the Zhejiang Provincial Department of Culture, Radio, Television and Tourism, the event showcased the strong collaborative potential between China and Africa in cultural and tourism sectors.
This influential gathering attracted over 240 esteemed guests, including ambassadors and representatives from African nations, officials from the African Union, leaders of Chinese government departments, and business experts. Discussions focused on enriching cultural and tourism exchanges and deepening partnerships for mutual growth.
Strengthening China-Africa Collaboration
Xu Peng, Vice Chairman of the World Tourism Alliance (WTA), highlighted the immense opportunities for China-Africa cooperation. He emphasized China’s commitment to expanding partnerships in cultural heritage and tourism innovation with African nations.
Li Xinfang, Deputy Director of the Zhejiang Provincial Department of Culture, Radio, Television and Tourism, stated that the conference played a crucial role in enhancing cross-border exchanges. He noted that by sharing cultural and tourism resources, China and Africa could foster mutual understanding and strengthen their civilizational ties.
High-Level Dialogues and Shared Vision
Participants, including tourism leaders from Tanzania, Djibouti, and Seychelles, underlined the shared values between China and Africa. They reiterated that the “Cultural Silk Road” initiative is pivotal to advancing modernization goals and reinforcing the historical friendship between the two regions.
The conference featured high-level dialogues on integrating tourism with technology to better preserve and present cultural heritage. One notable session explored the interaction between China’s Jiangnan culture and Africa’s Swahili culture, emphasizing mutual learning and shared innovation.
Fostering Connectivity and Shared Growth
Despite geographical distance, the event affirmed that China and Africa remain deeply connected through shared objectives and values. The discussions focused on utilizing tourism as a bridge to promote modernization efforts outlined in the “Ten Partnership Actions” and advancing cultural ties through sustainable and innovative practices.
This collaborative event not only strengthened cultural exchanges but also opened new pathways for tourism and cultural resource sharing between China and Africa, fostering a deeper sense of mutual understanding and integration.
