G20 leaders back tourism for growth under South Africa’s Presidency
G20 Leaders have recognised tourism’s role in shared prosperity and sustainability at the first G20 Summit held in Africa under South Africa’s Presidency. The Leaders’ Declaration sets commitments across key areas – promoting innovation and investment, enhancing air connectivity and market access, accelerating digitalisation for start‑ups and MSMEs, unlocking finance for sustainable tourism, advancing inclusion for youth, women, vulnerable groups, local communities and Indigenous Peoples, mobilising public–private capital, and integrating tourism into national development strategies.
UN Tourism, a Knowledge Partner to the South African Presidency, welcomed the move, noting that G20 economies account for around 70% of international tourism. Tourism represents 3.1% of G20 GDP, 5% of all exports and 21% of services exports. At the Tourism Ministers’ meeting in Mpumalanga in September, members committed to policies on digital innovation, financing and investment, air connectivity and resilience – aligning with the priorities endorsed by Leaders.
Source: UN Tourism
