De Lille says SA G20 presidency must use tourism to develop economies

CAPE TOWN - Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille said South Africa’s G20 presidency must use tourism to develop economies and as a driver for social and environmental change.

The G20’s Tourism Working Group is holding its second meeting in Durban on Sunday, coinciding with Monday’s start of the Africa Travel Indaba.

Addressing delegates at the opening of the G20 meeting, De Lille said South Africa was committed to working with the United Nations (UN) as a knowledge partner to grow tourism on the continent.

Sunday’s G20 tourism meeting serves as a precursor to the biggest showcase of African tourism, with at least 27 African countries and 1,300 exhibitors expected to be part of this week’s Indaba.

De Lille said the G20 Tourism Working Group also serves as a forum for the growth and development of sustainable tourism by promoting dialogue and the exchange of best practice.

“There’s not always the need to reinvent the wheel. Let us look at the tried and tested methods, solutions and experience that we find amongst the G20 member states.”

De Lille said the tourism sector must better articulate and communicate the economic and development case for tourism.

“The US is the chairperson for 2026, to continue to further look at action plans and deliverables for the tourism sector.”

However, seats designated at the table for US representatives were empty during De Lille’s address.