Department of Tourism Briefs Parliament on South Africa’s G20 Tourism Preparations
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On 3 June 2025, the Department of Tourism (DoT) presented a comprehensive briefing to the Portfolio Committee on Tourism regarding South Africa’s preparations and activities as host of the G20 tourism-related engagements for the 2025 presidency. Operating under the national G20 theme of “Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability,” the DoT outlined its coordination efforts, priorities, outreach initiatives, and legacy projects aimed at promoting inclusive, sustainable tourism and economic growth.
As G20 President, South Africa is focusing its tourism agenda on four key deliverables:
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Digital innovation for tourism start-ups and MSMEs
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Tourism financing and investment
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Enhancing air connectivity
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Strengthening resilience for sustainable tourism
The second G20 Tourism Working Group (TWG) meeting was held in Durban from 11–13 May 2025. Delegates from 15 G20 members, 7 guest countries, and 3 international organizations attended. The meeting included site visits and tourism sector exposure in KwaZulu-Natal. Three draft deliverables were tabled, and a fourth is scheduled for further discussion in July 2025.
A series of outreach programs will be conducted across districts in Mpumalanga and the Northern Cape. These initiatives aim to inform the public on the G20’s role, promote inclusive participation, and support tourism development at community level. Themes include job creation, sustainability, and investment in tourism.
A major legacy project, the G20 Tourism Hackathon, is underway and targets students from tourism and hospitality institutions across South Africa. The initiative encourages digital solutions for rural tourism challenges using AI and innovation. It will culminate during the 3rd TWG meeting in September 2025 in Mpumalanga.
Future milestones include the finalisation of the tourism deliverables, further outreach efforts, and the G20 Tourism Ministers’ Meeting set for September 12, 2025.
