South Africa’s G20 presidency in 2025 presents a host of opportunities for the country’s tourism and hospitality suppliers as government needs the industry’s help to showcase the best of what it has to offer.

So said Minister of Tourism Patricia De Lille in her keynote speech opening the SATSA Conference 2024 at the Arabella Hotel Golf and Spa in Kleinmond, Western Cape, last week.

She pointed out that over 125 meetings would be held in South Africa next year, culminating in the G20 Summit in November, expecting more than 40 global heads of state.

De Lille said the industry should start thinking about how to put packages together for delegates to ensure South Africa and the industry reap not only the maximum economic benefits but create greater awareness of the country as a prime tourism destination.

SATSA CEO David Frost expressed appreciation to De Lille and her department for their ongoing collaborative engagements with the private sector.

“I am also hopeful that other ministries under the government of national unity will work with the Minister and the private sector to address the barriers to tourism growth such as air access, visas, backlogs with issuing National Public Transport Regulator licences and, of course, safety.”

De Lille noted that, from her first week in office, she had forged strong relationships with SATSA and other tourism industry associations. “I am always here to serve my country and I appeal to you again to guide me and tell me how to address issues.”

Preparations in full swing

Briefing the media earlier this month, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said: “This is a momentous event for South Africa as it will be the first country in Africa to host such a gathering; not only unique because of the anticipated numbers but also the enduring impact it is envisaged to make.

“Cabinet is confident that South Africa will deliver a successful G20 Summit as it has done with previous major events such as the BRICS Summit and the African Growth and Opportunity Act Forum.

“The G20 presidency presents South Africa with an opportunity to champion the aspirations of emerging markets”.

South Africa’s participation will be guided by the country’s commitment to advancing national interests as well as those of the African continent, Ntshavheni pointed out.

She said an inter-ministerial committee has been assigned the responsibility of organising this event on behalf of government and South Africans.

“South Africa will continue to use opportunities to lead and host international forums such as the G20 to focus global attention on development challenges confronting Africa and the countries of the Global South.”

South Africa is expected to assume presidency of the G20 from December 1 this year.

EDITOR’S NOTE: The G20 is a group of 20 of the world’s largest economies that meets regularly to coordinate global policy. It works to address major issues related to the global economy such as international financial stability, climate change mitigation and sustainable development. It was launched in 1999 with 19 countries as well as the African Union and the European Union. The G20 nations represent 85% of the global economy, 75% of world trade and 67% of the global population.