EMBRACING CHINESE CULTURE TO DRAW IN MORE CHINESE TOURISTS?
(Posted 19th February 2015)
Seychelles does it, Reunion does it, Mauritius does it and so do a significant number of other countries which have Chinese expatriate communities and enjoy a growing number of tourist visitors from China. Is East Africa missing out on such ethnic festivals, which in the case of the Seychelles for instance has already in its second year become a landmark weekend in their annual calendar of events?
A highly fancied cultural group from Chendu performed over the last weekend in Victoria at the second edition of the Seychelles – China Day celebrations, bringing both the locals and foreign tourists to the venue. Even the upcoming Seychelles Carnival is subsequently benefitting again from a stronger Chinese presence of troupes and performers, raising the attraction of the carnival and raising visitor numbers too.
Across the Indian Ocean islands are other ethnic festivals too celebrated, and promoted and eased Visa rules including Visa waivers for Indian and Chinese citizens have gone hand in hand to drive visitor numbers from those two countries sharply up for the French Indian Ocean island of Reunion.
‘I know we Chinese have gained a negative perception in many African countries. I know the constant allegations about driving poaching for ivory. I know about the arrests of my fellow citizens at airports when they illegally carry ivory. But there is change underway. Publicity campaigns about the evil of poaching have gone directly to Hong Kong and mainland China. If our host countries in East Africa could interact more with our people who work and live there much could be gained. Both sides could benefit. It is easier to educate those who live there about poaching and the criminality of ivory possession than going to China. We celebrated our Chinese New Year and besides a few guests from the diplomatic corps or business partners, there were really no ordinary citizens part of it, helping us celebrate like we celebrate your independence day with you. A Uganda – China Festival for our new year could be a big crowdpuller and help overcome the negativity which has spread through the media about China and Chinese. Do not blame all of our people because there are a few, how do you say, rotten apples?’ said a Chinese acquaintance, bemoaning the fact that tourism boards in the region have so far failed to capitalize on ethnic festivals which are celebrated by often very large expatriate communities but have never gained visibility in a broader arena. Across Eastern Africa many people of Indian, Pakistani, Sri Lankan and Bangladeshi origin reside and work and they all celebrate major festivals, be they of religious or cultural nature, back home that is but not here. Is there not scope to raise the bar and copy the successful concepts of ethnic festivals as seen on the Indian Ocean islands?
After all, in literally every place across East Africa is the German Oktoberfest celebrated, often with authentic umptata bands, imported beer and the traditional Bavarian white sausages and sweet mustard so the example has been set and just waits to be expanded to other communities.
Fodder for though no doubt for those tourism powers that be at present and who regularly moan about lack of this and the absence of that when often it is just a bright idea, knowing the right people and setting the ball rolling.
