Hunan province signs culture, tourism promotion agreement with Kenya

This photo taken on May 9, 2024 shows a view of the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo (CAETE) in Africa (Kenya) 2024 in Nairobi, Kenya.(Xinhua/Li Yahui)

The government of Hunan province in central China has signed a culture and tourism promotion agreement with Kenya.

NAIROBI, May 12 (Xinhua) -- The government of Hunan province in central China has signed a culture and tourism promotion agreement with Kenya.

Shang Bin, deputy director general of the Hunan provincial department of culture and tourism, made this announcement late Friday on the sidelines of the China-Africa Culture and Tourism Promotion and Cooperation Fair held in Nairobi, Kenya's capital. The agreement aims to foster and promote tourism, identified as a key area for building relationships between the two countries.

The agreement encompasses aviation travel routes, tourism development, joint sports events, charter flight promotion, film and television investment, and vocational education.

"We are showcasing Hunan's tourism and related fields' foundation, strengths, and prospects in cooperation with Africa," Shang remarked during the signing ceremony.

An elephant is seen at Amboseli National Park in Kajiado County, Kenya, on April 27, 2024. (Xinhua/Han Xu)

Francis Gichaba, chairman of the Kenya Tourism Board, invited the people of Hunan and China in general to visit and experience Kenya's rich culture and scenery. He emphasized Kenya's efforts to strengthen its relationship with China to attract more visitors to the country.

Gichaba highlighted Kenya's use of extensive digital marketing techniques and organized foreign trips to raise awareness of the country's scenic attractions and rich culture.

During the signing ceremony, the Hunan provincial department of culture and tourism introduced five cultural tourism highlights of Hunan to the Kenyan attendees, while Kenya showcased its unique resources and premium travel routes.

The Communication Center for Africa of the China-Africa Economic and Trade Promotion Council, along with leading companies like Hunan SMJM Media, signed six major projects with Kenyan cooperative partners worth 8 million U.S. dollars.

The event, themed "Welcome to Charming Hunan," attracted about 200 participants from the government, think tanks, enterprises and financial sectors of China and Kenya. The blending of Chinese grandeur with African characteristics showcased a beautiful tapestry of cultural affinity under the Belt and Road Initiative. The event was hosted by the Secretariat of the Organizing Committee of the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo (CAETE) and the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Cooperatives of Kenya.