By Simon Nare
Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille has urged the G20 Tourism Second Working Group Meeting to explore key focus areas that can help drive economic growth and generate actionable ideas for consideration at the G20 Summit of Heads of State later this year.
Opening the meeting in Durban on Sunday, De Lille said the outcomes of the three-day discussions will guide what each G20 Tourism Minister presents when the group reconvenes in Mpumalanga in September.
In September, Minister De Lille indicated that the meeting of tourism ministers would influence the outcomes of the upcoming heads of state gathering in Johannesburg in November.
She outlined key priorities identified by The Presidency, stressing the need to position tourism as a driver of economic, social, and environmental change.
Additionally, there is a focus on leveraging tourism and travel to support economic recovery and transition to a green economy.
The minister stressed the importance of effectively articulating the economic and developmental benefits of tourism and integrating the sector’s voice into the global agenda.
In addition, the minister told the opening meeting that South Africa, as the host of the G20, had identified its key priorities and deliverables for 2025.
One of the main focus areas is promoting people-centered Artificial Intelligence (AI) and innovation to support travel and tourism start-ups, as well as micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
The goal is to develop an action plan that leverages AI and innovation to empower these businesses.
Another priority is tourism financing and investment, aimed at promoting equality and sustainable development, including hosting a seminar on strengthening partnerships in this area.
Improving air connectivity for seamless travel is also a key objective, with the aim of finalizing the G20 Tourism Report on this issue.
Lastly, enhancing resilience is a priority to ensure inclusive and sustainable tourism development.
“As G20 countries, we must deliver an Action plan for enhanced resilience for sustainable development. I look forward to the outcomes of these in-depth discussions and to our work as G20 nations to reach a consensus on what needs to be done and achieved,” she said.
The minister said South Africa was going to use the presidency of G20 to make sure the continent’s voice is heard loudly on matters related to tourism.
“As the only African member country of the G20, South Africa, in partnership with the African Union, is providing a vital voice in global discussions, especially concerning issues affecting developing nations and the African continent.”
“We do not take lightly the responsibility of using this to highlight Africa’s development agenda and promote greater equity in global governance. Indeed, we are committed to aligning our G20 efforts with the African Union’s Agenda 2063,” she said.
The group meeting is being held alongside Africa’s Travel Indaba, which kicks off in Durban on Monday.
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