The second G20 Tourism Working Group meeting kicked off today at Coastlands Umhlanga Hotel and Conference Centre in Durban, with key figures from South Africa’s tourism sector attending. Minister of Tourism, Mrs. Patricia de Lille, was joined by KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Mr. Thamsanqa Ntuli; MEC for Economic Development, Rev. Musa Zondi; and eThekwini Metro Mayor, Cllr. Cyril Xaba.
As the only African member of the G20, South Africa’s participation, in collaboration with the African Union, brings a significant voice to global discussions, especially on issues impacting developing nations and the African continent. Minister de Lille outlined that South Africa’s G20 presidency prioritizes tourism innovation, investment in air connectivity, and the development of inclusive tourism policies.
Over the next three days, the discussions will shape decisions made at the G20 summit in Mpumalanga in September and influence agreements at the Heads of State meeting in Johannesburg later this year. 
Premier Ntuli expressed the pride KwaZulu-Natal feels in hosting the first-ever G20 Tourism event on South African soil, emphasizing the potential for tourism to connect economies and cultures. The meeting’s timing coincides with Africa’s Travel Indaba, further boosting Durban’s stature as a global tourism hub.
