Africa expects millions of Chinese tourists

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Friday, October 24, 2003

Africa expects millions of Chinese tourists

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African representatives attending the World Tourism Organization General Assembly session here took turns promoting their countries, in the hope of gaining Approved Destination Status (ADS) for Chinese tour groups as soon as possible.

China's tourism development could been seen from Beijing's construction, said Roger Mahazoasy, Minister of Tourism of Madagascar.

He said his nation would catch up with other pioneering African nations in image promotion in China. He hoped to open a tourism office here soon.

He said Madagascar, in the Indian Ocean, the world's fourth largest island, had many Chinese descendants. Chinese tourists who loved nature would be at home in Madagascar.

Francis Nhema, Zimbabwe's Minister of Environment and Tourism led the biggest delegation to China.

He said Zimbabwe had the Victoria Falls and many ancient cultural relics. It was also home to elephants, lions, zebras and giraffes. Some couples went to Zimbabwe for special wedding ceremonies on elephant-back. He hoped Chinese couples could also experience such weddings.

He said, "Zimbabwe and China have a long history of friendship. There is a wall quite similar to China's Great Wall, signifying the friendship. I hope tourism can further promote bilateral exchanges."

Many African nations hoped to develop tourism cooperation with Asia, especially China, said Chernor Jalloh, minister of Tourism and Culture of Sierra Leone.

Other African nations, including Ghana and Malawi all hoped to open direct flights with China, in order to boost tourism. To date, only South Africa and Egypt have ADS.

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