On November 8, 2024, the city of Jinhua in Zhejiang Province, China, hosted the 2024 Conference on China-Africa Cultural and Tourism Cooperation & Exchange. Themed “Cultural Silk Road Communication, China-Africa Hand in Hand,” the event brought together officials, experts, and leaders from both China and Africa to strengthen cultural and tourism partnerships. Organized by multiple institutions, including the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the Zhejiang Provincial Department of Culture, Radio, Television, and Tourism, the conference provided a platform to discuss deeper collaboration between the two regions.
A Gathering of Leaders and Experts
Over 240 participants attended the event, including African ambassadors to China, representatives of the African Union, and Chinese officials from various government departments. The conference also attracted industry leaders, academics, and cultural exchange specialists. With such a diverse lineup of attendees, the gathering emphasized the shared goal of improving mutual understanding and promoting cross-border cultural and tourism exchanges.
The Significance of China-Africa Cooperation
Xu Peng, Vice Chairman of the World Tourism Alliance (WTA), addressed the audience, emphasizing the enormous potential for cultural and tourism collaboration between China and Africa. He expressed China’s strong commitment to deepening ties with African nations, seeing the partnership as an opportunity for growth and innovation in both regions.
Similarly, Li Xinfang, Deputy Director of the Zhejiang Provincial Department of Culture, Radio, Television, and Tourism, spoke about the conference’s importance. According to Li, the event served as a crucial space for fostering meaningful interactions and learning between the two regions. He stressed that enhanced cooperation would lead to a better flow of cultural and tourism resources, ultimately strengthening the bond between Chinese and African civilizations.
Shared Goals and Aspirations
The conference included notable contributions from tourism leaders representing Tanzania, Djibouti, Seychelles, and other African countries. Many participants highlighted the significance of friendship and cooperation, using the metaphor, “True friends are those who travel together.” Despite the geographical distance between China and Africa, the speakers emphasized that the two regions share a close connection through cultural understanding and collaboration.
One key goal of the event was to push forward the China-Africa Cultural Silk Road initiative. This initiative aims to deepen ties in cultural and tourism sectors while supporting broader modernization efforts under the framework of the “Ten Partnership Actions”. The attendees also stressed that such initiatives reinforce the long-standing friendship between China and Africa, building on a relationship rooted in mutual respect and shared development goals.
High-Level Discussions
During the conference, representatives from both regions participated in high-level discussions covering a range of topics. One major area of focus was the integration of tourism and technology, particularly in preserving and showcasing cultural heritage. This discussion highlighted how innovation can bridge gaps and make cultural experiences more accessible to a global audience.
Another key topic was the interaction between China’s Jiangnan culture and Africa’s Swahili culture. These two distinct yet vibrant cultural traditions served as examples of how cross-regional collaboration can lead to mutual enrichment. By exploring these cultural intersections, participants sought to identify ways to foster deeper appreciation and understanding between the two regions.
A Broader Vision for the Future
The conference’s overarching goal was to explore how cultural and tourism partnerships could contribute to broader development objectives. By strengthening ties through initiatives like the Cultural Silk Road, both China and Africa aim to unlock new opportunities for economic growth, cultural exchange, and mutual learning.
The event also showcased the growing importance of tourism as a tool for diplomacy. As more people travel between China and Africa, there is an increasing need to build infrastructure, develop joint tourism programs, and create opportunities for cultural exchange. Events like this conference not only lay the foundation for such efforts but also serve as a reminder of the enduring friendship between the two regions.
The 2024 China-Africa Cultural and Tourism Cooperation & Exchange Conference highlighted the strong potential for collaboration between China and Africa in the fields of culture and tourism. Through open dialogue, shared aspirations, and a commitment to mutual growth, the participants reaffirmed the importance of their partnership. By leveraging opportunities like the Cultural Silk Road initiative, China and Africa are taking meaningful steps toward building a brighter, more interconnected future.
