Tourism Minister, Patricia de Lille, has emphasised South Africa’s Presidency of the Group of 20 as a pivotal moment for the country and the entire African continent.
Speaking at the opening of the second G20 Tourism Working Group (TWG) meeting in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, she highlighted the significance of South Africa hosting the G20 on African soil for the first time.
“South Africa’s very proud to host the G20 for the first time on African soil. It’s a defining moment for South Africa and the rest of the continent because the G20 nations represent 85% of the global economy, 75% of international trade and 67% of the world’s population.
“In partnership with the African Union, we will provide a vital voice in global discussions, especially concerning issues affecting developing nations on the continent. Now, we do not take this responsibility lightly because we need to highlight Africa’s developmental agenda and promote equity in global governance,” she said.
De Lille highlighted that South Africa’s theme for its Presidency, solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability, is aligned with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, Africa’s blueprint and master plan for transforming the continent into a global powerhouse of the future.
“South Africa’s G20 Presidency highlights our commitment to tourism, innovation, investment, enhancing air connectivity and developing inclusive and sustainable tourism practices.
“So far and for the rest of the year, we will be hosting more than 130 G20 related meetings across our country, providing unparalleled opportunities to showcase our country, our venues, our facilities, [and the] business collaboration because all of this in the end contributes to job creation and also driving investment.
“This G20 Summit is more than just an event to us. It is a statement that Africa is ready to take its rightful place in the global economic leadership. It also demonstrates our proven ability to host safe, world-class events on this scale in our country,” the Minister said.
During their deliberations, the Minister reminded meeting delegates of the key deliverables for the working group. These include people-centred artificial intelligence (AI) and innovation to enhance travel and tourism start-ups and SMMEs; tourism financing and investment to improve equality and promote sustainable development; air connectivity for seamless travel; and Enhanced resilience for inclusive and sustainable tourism development.
“The Tourism Working Group also serves as a forum for the growth and development of sustainable tourism by promoting dialogue and exchange of knowledge and best practice amongst the G20 members. Let us learn from each other.
“There’s not always a need to reinvent the wheel. Let us look at the tried and tested methods, solutions, and experiences that we find amongst the G20 Member States, because sometimes we tend to do things starting anew. Let us learn from those best practices.
“As the G20 Tourism Working Group, we must deliver on an action plan. I look forward to your in-depth discussions on the work of the G20 to reach a consensus on what needs to be done and what we need to achieve,” she said.
In September this year, South Africa will host the G20 Ministers’ Meeting.
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De Lille said one of the main objectives of the meeting will be to discuss how to position tourism as a driver of economic, social and environmental change.
“The meeting will also explore the potential for tourism and travel to support the economic recovery of many countries, as well as long-term transformation to a green economy.
“We must also better articulate and communicate the economic and developmental case for tourism, and lift the mainstream travel and tourism sector voice in the global agenda by building a more effective voice for the sector.
“We must also mobilise a collective effort to build a sensible tourism policy framework that will help influence country-level and international, economic and development policies,” she said.
The Minister urged the delegates to develop solutions that will propel the sector.
“When we meet again later in September, I want us not only to say that this is the first time we are hosting the G20 on African soil. I want us also to say and acknowledge that having had the event here, we were able to come up with solutions that are moving the tourism sector forward,” De Lille said.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) & Answers
Why is South Africa’s G20 Presidency significant for Africa?
South Africa’s leadership of the G20 is historic, as it is the first time the summit has been held on African soil. It represents an opportunity for Africa to amplify its voice in global economic governance, advocate for developmental priorities, and showcase its tourism potential.
What is the theme of South Africa’s G20 Presidency?
The theme, Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability, aligns with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and emphasises Africa’s commitment to inclusive economic growth, innovation, and sustainable development.
How does the G20 Tourism Working Group contribute to global tourism?
The Working Group focuses on key initiatives such as AI-driven tourism innovation, financing, enhanced air connectivity, and sustainable tourism practices. It serves as a platform for knowledge sharing among G20 members to boost the global tourism industry.
What impact will South Africa’s G20 Presidency have on tourism and investment?
By hosting over 130 G20-related meetings annually, South Africa aims to attract tourism and investment opportunities, drive job creation, and position itself as a premier destination for global business and leisure travel.
What is the expected outcome of the G20 Ministers’ Meeting in September?
The meeting will explore strategies to position tourism as a catalyst for economic, social, and environmental transformation. Discussions will include ways to support economic recovery post-pandemic and transition towards a green economy.
