UN Tourism welcomes strong G20 support for the sector under South Africa’s Presidency

International

Leaders highlight tourism’s role in prosperity, sustainability and inclusive development at the first G20 Summit held in Africa

UN Tourism has welcomed the G20 Leaders’ firm recognition of tourism as a driver of shared prosperity and sustainable development. The G20 South Africa Summit—held for the first time on African soil—produced a Leaders’ Declaration featuring wide-ranging commitments to advance the sector’s contribution to economic growth, social inclusion and environmental stewardship.

Tourism at the centre of global policy priorities

The Leaders’ Declaration outlines a comprehensive agenda for strengthening the tourism sector. Key priorities include promoting innovation and investment, enhancing air connectivity and market access, supporting the digitalization of tourism start-ups and MSMEs, unlocking financing for sustainable tourism, and creating new opportunities for youth, women, vulnerable groups, local communities and Indigenous Peoples.

Leaders also underline the importance of inclusive tourism practices, public–private investment partnerships aligned with sustainability goals, and the integration of tourism into national development strategies.

UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili welcomed the ambitious commitments. He emphasised that G20 economies account for around 70% of international tourism, making their recognition of the sector’s transformative potential “hugely welcome.” He highlighted progress achieved under South Africa’s Presidency, commending President Cyril Ramaphosa for leading the first African G20 Presidency and Minister Patricia DeLille for her guidance in the tourism track.

A clear mandate for innovation, investment and connectivity

In their declaration, Leaders reaffirm strong support for tourism innovation, investment and improved connectivity. They highlight the need to expand routes, enhance aviation safety and security, ensure fair competition and strengthen policy coordination. Digital innovation—particularly for start-ups and MSMEs—is identified as essential to ensuring the sector remains competitive and resilient.

Leaders also commit to expanding opportunities for underrepresented groups, emphasising practical, evidence-based approaches to inclusion. A further priority is unlocking financing for sustainable tourism, with calls for transparent and predictable investment environments that can mobilise public–private capital.

UN Tourism as Knowledge Partner to the South Africa G20 Presidency

UN Tourism contributed expertise throughout South Africa’s Presidency as a Knowledge Partner, participating in the Tourism Working Group and the Tourism Ministers Meeting in Mpumalanga last September. At that meeting, Ministers committed to advancing policies that foster a sustainable, inclusive and resilient tourism sector. Their focus areas included digital innovation, tourism financing and investment, seamless air connectivity, and enhanced resilience for long-term sustainability.

Global significance of the G20 tourism agenda

The G20 accounts for around 70% of all international tourist arrivals and tourism exports. Tourism contributes 3.1% to the combined GDP of G20 economies, represents 5% of all exports and 21% of all service exports.

Given this scale, UN Tourism emphasises that the G20’s renewed commitment provides crucial momentum for strengthening tourism’s role in global development and ensuring that the sector supports communities, economies and ecosystems worldwide.