South Africa Leads Global Tourism Talks at G20: Innovation, Air Travel & Sustainable Growth Top Agenda in eThekwini

South Africa reaffirmed its commitment to global tourism leadership by successfully hosting the second G20 Tourism Working Group (TWG) meeting in eThekwini, KwaZulu-Natal, from 11–13 May 2025. The event brought together senior tourism officials, international delegates, and policy experts under the theme of inclusive and sustainable global tourism cooperation.

As the first African host of a G20 Presidency, South Africa used this high-level platform to demonstrate its ability to shape tourism innovation, sustainability, and cooperation across global economies. The meeting focused on aligning key tourism priorities with G20-wide development goals while amplifying Africa’s voice in international policy.

Opening Remarks: A New Era for Africa’s Global Tourism Role

The meeting commenced with a warm welcome from South Africa’s Minister of Tourism, Ms. Patricia de Lille, who emphasized the historic significance of the occasion. “The G20 summit is more than just an event – it is a statement that Africa is ready to take its rightful place in global economic leadership. It demonstrates our proven ability to host safe, world-class events on this scale,” she told the audience of international tourism leaders.

The event marks South Africa’s rising influence in the global travel economy and positions the continent as an emerging force in sustainable and resilient tourism development.

Chaired by Tourism Director-General Mr. Nkhumeleni Victor Vele, the sessions facilitated detailed dialogue among G20 member states, invited guest countries, and leading international organizations. Delegates reviewed progress from the first virtual TWG meeting held on 5 March 2025 and advanced discussions on four tourism policy priorities originally introduced at that session.

G20 South Africa Tourism Priorities 2025

South Africa proposed and refined four key tourism priorities during the TWG, each supported by actionable deliverables to align with the G20’s broader economic goals:

People-Centred Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Innovation
- Objective: Foster tourism start-ups and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)
- Deliverable: Develop an action plan leveraging AI to empower travel-related businesses and innovators in emerging markets.
Tourism Financing and Investment for Equality and Sustainability
- Objective: Bridge gaps in tourism financing for inclusive economic growth
- Deliverable: Host a G20 seminar focused on public-private partnerships to unlock sustainable investments.
Air Connectivity for Seamless Travel
- Objective: Improve intra- and intercontinental air access for travelers
- Deliverable: Publish a comprehensive G20 report outlining recommendations for air connectivity solutions, especially for the Global South.
Enhanced Resilience for Sustainable Tourism Development
- Objective: Ensure global tourism can better withstand economic shocks, climate events, and future disruptions
- Deliverable: Create a G20 Action Plan on tourism resilience for inclusive, long-term growth.

Each priority is designed to advance the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through the tourism sector and promote South-South cooperation by sharing innovations from across Africa and the developing world.

Global Collaboration and Policy Sharing

Throughout the three-day meeting, G20 delegates and invited observers engaged in knowledge exchange, policy sharing, and case study discussions. Member countries presented their own innovations and strategies on AI in tourism, sustainable funding models, and efforts to improve cross-border travel infrastructure.

There was broad consensus among G20 countries to support South Africa’s proposed action plans and an agreement to refine key deliverables in the lead-up to the final TWG meeting. Delegates shared their best practices and regional insights, providing a rich foundation for collaborative implementation of the policy agenda.

Next Steps: Mpumalanga to Host Final Tourism Working Group

The third and final G20 Tourism Working Group Meeting will be held in Mpumalanga Province from 9–10 September 2025, culminating in the G20 Tourism Ministers’ Meeting on 12 September 2025, also in Mpumalanga. These sessions will finalize all outputs from the TWG and inform the Ministerial Declaration that shapes G20’s long-term tourism priorities.

With the focus on “Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability”, South Africa’s presidency has positioned tourism as a transformative tool for inclusive growth. The TWG forms one of 16 G20 working groups under South Africa’s leadership and serves as a key contributor to global tourism policy direction.

Strategic Importance of South Africa’s G20 Role in Tourism

This year’s TWG has amplified South Africa’s role as a continental tourism hub and global connector, able to guide critical conversations around tourism recovery, climate resilience, and technology-driven development.

With its diverse tourism landscape, world-class MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) capabilities, and strong diplomatic networks, South Africa showcased not only its ability to host international events but also to shape future-forward tourism policy.

Tourism Industry Benefits from G20 Momentum

The immediate benefits for South Africa’s tourism sector include:

Strengthened diplomatic and commercial ties with G20 member states
Greater visibility for local tourism SMEs and start-ups in global investment forums
A platform for regional air connectivity and route development strategies
Capacity-building opportunities in digital transformation and AI for tourism operators
Increased alignment with sustainable and responsible tourism standards

Industry Reaction and Media Contact

The Department of Tourism, through its Chief Director of Communications Ms. Tasneem Carrim, emphasized the national pride and strategic opportunity tied to South Africa’s G20 hosting. Stakeholders across the public and private tourism ecosystem have been encouraged to follow the progress of the TWG and prepare to contribute to the final action plans to be ratified in September.

Conclusion

As South Africa advances toward the final G20 Tourism Ministerial in September 2025, its leadership in this global platform is already delivering long-term strategic value. By championing innovation, sustainable investment, connectivity, and resilience, South Africa is not only shaping the agenda but redefining Africa’s influence on the future of global tourism.

For the global travel industry, the second TWG meeting reinforced the power of collaboration and shared responsibility in building a more inclusive, connected, and sustainable tourism future.

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