South Africa’s G20 Presidency Places Tourism at the Heart of Inclusive and Sustainable Growth
UN Tourism welcomes the strong support given to the tourism sector by G20 Leaders during the Summit hosted by South Africa, marking the first G20 Presidency on the African continent. The Leaders’ Declaration highlights tourism as a major driver of inclusive and sustainable development, an important recognition given that G20 economies represent around 70% of all international tourism activity.
Under South Africa’s Presidency, the Declaration emphasizes the need to boost innovation and investment in tourism, enhance air connectivity and expand market access, and support the digital transformation of tourism start-ups and MSMEs. It also stresses unlocking financing for sustainable tourism and expanding opportunities for youth, women, vulnerable groups, local communities, and Indigenous Peoples. G20 Leaders further underline the importance of integrating tourism into national development strategies and creating transparent, predictable, and sustainability-aligned environments for public–private investment.
UN Tourism commends the progress made throughout South Africa’s Presidency, which ensured tourism occupied a central place in global economic discussions. As the Presidency’s Knowledge Partner, UN Tourism contributed to the Tourism Working Group and the Tourism Ministers Meeting in Mpumalanga, where governments committed to advancing digital innovation, strengthening financing and investment, improving air connectivity, and building resilience across the tourism sector.
Tourism continues to play a crucial role in G20 economies, accounting for 3.1% of GDP, 5% of exports, and 21% of service exports — a relevance clearly recognized and strengthened under South Africa’s leadership.
