Senegal aims to become China's new tourism destination

In the past, traditional wrestling was a way to celebrate the end of harvest for Serer and Diola tribes, Joal, Mbour, Senegal, Nov 1, 2010. [Photo/IC]??

BEIJING - China and Senegal have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on tourism, allowing Chinese tour groups to visit the West African country with ease.

The document was signed by Shao Qiwei, director of China's National Tourism Administration (NTA), and Abdoulaye Diouf Sarr, Senegal's tourism and air transport minister.

Shao said Africa has become a popular destination for Chinese tourists in recent years and Senegal will be one of the key destination with its rich tourism resources.

China is willing to boost cooperation with Senegal in personnel exchange and aviation facilitation to advance a deeper friendly bilateral relations, Shao said.

Tourism is an important part of Senegal's economy, with mild climate, attractive beaches and fishing.

Sarr said Senegal hopes to attract investment from Chinese tourism companies and tourists will be welcomed by the country's beautiful scenery, blending culture and hospitable people.

The opening of Senegal to Chinese tourists expands the list of countries they can travel to 151 countries for tourism purposes, according to the MOU.

Chinese tourists made a total of 98.2 million trips overseas last year, climbing 18 percent from a year earlier, according to the NTA data.