G20 Presidency will boost SA as a business events destination: De Lille

By Simon Nare

Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille has described South Africa’s presidency of the G20 this year as a perfect opportunity to solidify the country’s standing as a premier tourism and business events destination.

Addressing panelists and reporters during the Meetings Africa media launch at the Johannesburg Stock Exchange on Tuesday, De Lille said the opportunity presented by hosting the presidency should be maximised.

While President Cyril Ramaphosa has cited inclusive economic growth, food security, climate change and artificial intelligence as priorities, De Lille sees it as an opportunity not only for the country’s business events sector, but the rest of the continent.

She said the G20 summit would bring over 40 global heads of state with over 130 meetings hosted during the year.

“With G20 nations representing 85% of the global economy, 75% of international trade and 67% of the world’s population, the summit promises significant benefits for