South Africa recently hosted the inaugural G20 Tourism Working Group meeting virtually from the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) headquarters. Chaired by Director General Nkhumeleni Victor Vele of the South African Department of Tourism, the meeting brought together senior officials and tourism experts from G20 countries, guest nations, and international organizations to deliberate on the future of global tourism.
The discussions focused on four strategic priorities designed to shape a resilient and innovative tourism sector:
- People-Centered Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Innovation: Enhancing travel and tourism start-ups and SMMEs.
- Tourism Financing and Investment: Promoting sustainable development and economic equality.
- Air Connectivity: Improving seamless travel across borders.
- Enhanced Resilience: Advancing inclusive and sustainable tourism development.
The meeting marks the first in a series of engagements leading up to the G20 Tourism Ministers’ Meeting scheduled for September 2025.
Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille welcomed delegates through a video message, expressing pride in hosting the G20 for the first time on African soil and emphasizing tourism’s potential to transform lives, communities, and economies.
South Africa, under its G20 Presidency, is leveraging its platform to drive Africa’s developmental agenda. The country’s tourism priorities align with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the UN Tourism Agenda for Africa, aiming to address challenges such as air connectivity, limited investment, and sustainable development.
Upcoming G20 Tourism meetings in South Africa include:
- 2nd G20 Tourism Working Group Meeting: 11–13 May 2025, KwaZulu-Natal
- 3rd G20 Tourism Working Group Meeting: 10–11 September 2025, Mpumalanga
- G20 Tourism Ministers’ Meeting: 12 September 2025, Mpumalanga
The G20 economies account for a significant share of global tourism activity, welcoming 69% of international tourists and contributing 71% of tourism exports worldwide in 2023. Despite tourism’s rapid growth and its pivotal role in job creation and socio-economic development, the sector still faces challenges, particularly in the African context, where sustainable growth is vital for recovery and long-term prosperity.
By championing these priorities, South Africa is not only enhancing its own tourism sector but also setting a blueprint for inclusive and sustainable tourism development across the continent. Cape Town remains at the forefront of this transformative journey, reinforcing its reputation as a hub for cultural and economic innovation.