G20 Tourism Ministers’ Meeting Kicks Off in Mpumalanga

By Lwazi Raul-Shongwe and Kopano Dibakwane

The G20 Tourism Ministers’ Meeting has officially begun at the Nombolo Mdluli Conference Centre in the Kruger National Park, with Premier Mandla Ndlovu extending a warm welcome to distinguished guests and ministers from around the world.

The meeting, themed “Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability,” aims to discuss key priorities for the tourism sector, including digital innovation, financing and investment, air connectivity, and enhanced resilience.

Premier Ndlovu highlighted Mpumalanga’s stunning natural beauty, from the world-renowned Kruger National Park to the breathtaking Blyde River Canyon and the historic Makhonjwa Mountains, a World Heritage site. He emphasised the province’s rich cultural heritage and its potential for sustainable tourism development.

The Premier noted that tourism is a significant driver of economic growth, job creation, and entrepreneurship, particularly for women and young people. He invited guests to explore the province’s hidden gems, including Chrissiesmeer, known as the “Lake District of South Africa,” and Dullstroom, a popular destination for fly-fishing and eco-tourism.

“ We view the South Africa’s G20 presidency as something that offers a unique opportunity  to shape the global agenda and secure commitments from powerful economies to address common critical issues with differentiated impacts, unfairly affecting developing nations,” said Premier Ndlovu.

The Minister of Tourism in South Africa, Patricia de Lille, in her opening remarks, said tourism is not just an industry, but it is a force for good. She noted that tourism is credited for creating jobs, driving economic growth, and fostering cultural connections. In addition, De Lille said tourism uplifts communities and protects heritage. And when done right, it leaves no one behind.

“ Let me share the scale of this impact: Globally, tourism contributes $2 trillion in export revenues, supporting 371 million jobs and accounting for 10.3% of global GDP. In Africa, international arrivals grew by 9% in Q1 2025, outpacing global averages.

“ Here in South Africa, tourism contributes 8.5% to our GDP, with over 880,000 visitors in July alone, a 26% year-on-year increase. The sector supports over 1.5 million jobs directly and indirectly, from urban hotels to rural homesteads. This is not just about numbers, it’s about livelihoods, families, and futures,” said De Lille.

• Financing and Investment: Mobilising public and private capital to promote sustainable tourism development.
• Air Connectivity: Enhancing regional and international air links to boost tourism and stimulate economic growth.
• Resilience: Building the sector’s ability to withstand shocks and protect livelihoods and communities.