Africa is attracting an increasing number of Chinese tourists, which is injecting new impetus into Africa’s economy.
The number of Chinese tourists travelling to Africa witnessed annual growth of 30 percent since 2012, according to latest data by global ratings agency Moody’s.
Kenya, with the highest temperature of its capital Nairobi staying below 30 degrees centigrade all year round, saw the largest growth of Chinese tourists among all African countries, said the agency.
Besides Kenya, Mauritius and Morocco are also becoming more and more attractive to Chinese tourists. Egypt and South Africa still remain popular destinations.
In addition, an increasing number of Africans are travelling abroad, with the steady growth of Africa’s economy and middle-income population, said a report released by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development.
For some island countries in Africa, tourism is even a pillar of their economy. Data from the UN conference revealed that tourism revenue in the Seychelles accounts for 62 percent of its GDP.
Rapid tourism development not only increases Africa’s foreign currency earnings, but also improves employment as well as women’s rights and interests in African countries.
The continual growth in tourism is expected to provide 11.7 million jobs in Africa over the next decade. Over one third of African women work in the tourism industry, much higher than the figure for other sectors.
While developing tourism, Africans also hope China will bring advanced and suitable tourism infrastructure and management to Africa while contributing a large number of Chinese tourists.
Source: en.people.cn
