By Emmanuel Emeka
The Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) has called for stronger tourism cooperation between Nigeria and China, saying the Asian country’s experience in tourism development offers valuable lessons for Nigeria as it seeks to diversify its economy through the sector.
The NTDA made the call in a goodwill message delivered on behalf of its Director-General, Dr. Ola Awakan, at a seminar on “China’s Tourism Development Experience,” organised by the Chinese Embassy in Abuja on Tuesday, September 8, 2026.
Awakan was unable to attend the seminar because he was on a working visit to China, where he was engaging with tourism institutions and stakeholders on initiatives that could strengthen Nigeria’s tourism sector.
Representing the NTDA at the seminar, the agency said China’s remarkable transformation into one of the world’s leading tourism destinations provides important lessons for Nigeria, particularly in strategic tourism planning, infrastructure development, investment, destination branding, digital innovation and human capital development.
The NTDA also highlighted the importance of strong collaboration between the public and private sectors in building a competitive and sustainable tourism industry.
According to the authority, Nigeria can draw from China’s experience while adapting relevant strategies to its own cultural, natural and socio-economic realities.
The NTDA described the seminar as more than an avenue for sharing experiences, stressing that it could serve as a platform for identifying practical areas of cooperation between both countries.
It identified tourism investment, capacity building, destination development, cultural exchanges, research, innovation and increased tourist flows as areas where Nigeria and China could deepen collaboration.
The authority noted that the engagement was particularly significant as Nigeria and China mark 55 years of diplomatic relations, while also taking place within the framework of the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchange.
It said tourism and cultural interaction have an important role to play in strengthening relations between peoples and promoting greater understanding between Nigeria and China.
The NTDA further reaffirmed its commitment to working with relevant tourism institutions and stakeholders, including the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) and the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), to position Nigeria as a more competitive, attractive and sustainable tourism destination.
The authority also expressed its willingness to strengthen partnerships that would enable Nigerians to better experience and appreciate China’s tourism offerings while creating opportunities for increased tourism exchanges between both countries.
The NTDA expressed confidence that the discussions at the seminar would contribute to a stronger and mutually beneficial Nigeria-China tourism partnership.
It commended the Chinese Embassy for organising the engagement and wished participants fruitful deliberations.
