Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille has announced four operational priorities for the sector under South Africa’s G20 Presidency: digital innovation, financing and investment, air connectivity and resilience.
She outlined the priorities at the opening of the G20 Tourism Ministers’ Meeting in Skukuza, Mpumalanga, on September 12, noting that tourism contributed 8.5% to South Africa’s GDP, sustained more than 1.5 million jobs and recorded 880 000 international visitors in July 2025 – a 26% increase on the previous year.
The first focus is digital innovation, where De Lille said small businesses were struggling to adapt to rapid changes in travel technology. “By equipping entrepreneurs with digital literacy, supporting incubators and networks for start-ups, and ensuring inclusive and ethical adoption of technology, we can open new opportunities.”
On financing and investment, she stressed the need for funding models that reached community-based ventures and sustainable infrastructure. “By mobilising public and private capital, reducing risks for investors, and ensuring that funds reach community-based ventures and micro-enterprises, we can create jobs, reduce inequality and build a fairer sector.” She added that the South African Tourism Investment Summit in Cape Town, held earlier in the week, would be developed into a legacy project of the Presidency.
Improving air connectivity was identified as critical to growth. De Lille called for expanded routes, more efficient border processes, and support for cleaner aviation technologies. “We must increase regional and international air links, streamlined visa and border procedures, and cleaner aviation technologies to boost tourism, stimulate trade and cooperation.”
Finally, on resilience, she said the sector needed stronger systems to withstand shocks. “Tourism is highly vulnerable to shocks – from pandemics to climate events to economic downturns. Our sector must be equipped with risk assessment tools, contingency planning, and rapid-recovery mechanisms.”
