Deputy President Paul Mashatile has emphasised the importance of South Africa’s role in the G20, calling it an opportunity to promote sustainable development and advocate for the Global South.
He told the Africa Travel Indaba in Durban that hosting the G20 positively casts the country and the entire African continent into the global spotlight.
Mashatile delivered a keynote address at the continent’s premier travel conference held at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre on Tuesday, May 13, alongside Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille and KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli.
South Africa’s second in command reiterated that his country’s G20 presidency “signifies a progressive milestone” for both South Africa and the African continent.
“We need to echo a united African voice on every global stage. Together, we can create a more egalitarian and inclusive global order that benefits all countries,” Mashatile said.
“Over 200 G20-related meetings will take place across South Africa, putting our country and our continent at the heart of the world’s most important economic conversations.”
“Africa’s Future Lies in Africans Choosing Africa”
He further highlighted the importance of tourism as more than leisure, but a strategic lever for economic growth and cooperation across the continent.
“This is an Africa where intra-continental trade, investments, and tourism are no longer mere aspirations, but everyday realities. Africa’s Travel Indaba stands as a beacon of what is possible when we act together.”
“Tourism is not just about travel. It is about connection, empowerment, and shared belief.
“We aim to remove barriers, unlock access, and make it easy for Africans and the world to experience Africa,” Mashatile added.
The deputy president stressed that Inter-Africa tourism is crucial for boosting local economies, fostering regional integration, and promoting cultural understanding.
He also urged Africans choosing Africa, “explore each other’s countries, and invest in each other’s businesses”.
Tourism: A Key Driver of Growth and Jobs
Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille announced strong recent numbers for the sector, including a 6% increase in tourist arrivals in the first quarter of 2025, following 8.9 million visitors in 2024.
“Tourism remains a powerful driver of economic growth. In 2024, direct tourism spend in South Africa reached R91.6 billion, creating at least 1.6 million jobs,” said de Lille. “But we cannot rest — we need a breakthrough.”
De Lille unveiled a five-year growth strategy aiming to grow employment to 2.5 million jobs and increase tourism’s contribution to GDP from 8.8% to at least 10%.
She also underscored the significance of intra-African tourism.
“Let us always remember that 75% of South Africa’s international visitors come from the rest of the continent. We appreciate that deeply,” she said.
KZN Premier Welcomes Africa and the World
Ntuli welcomed delegates with warmth and pride, celebrating Durban’s hosting of the second G20 Tourism Working Group meeting just two days before.
“Africa is not only emerging in global tourism. Africa is central to its future,” said Ntuli. “From the Drakensberg mountains to our Indian Ocean shores, KwaZulu-Natal is ready to be part of Africa’s tourism story.”
The KwaZulu-Natal premier echoed the theme of African unity and emphasised the value of investment, innovation, and showcasing the province’s natural and cultural wealth.
A Truly Continental Gathering
This year’s Africa’s Travel Indaba drew over 1,300 exhibitors and 1,200 buyers from 55 countries, including 27 African nations. Notably, Chad, St. Helena, and Burkina Faso participated for the first time.
The event also coincides with Africa Month, a time to reflect on the founding of the African Union and reaffirm the continent’s commitment to integration and peace.
“This gathering ought to act as sparks of greater regional cooperation,” said Mashatile. “Let us demonstrate to the world that Africa is ready for business.”
A Vision for Inclusive Tourism
Throughout the speeches, there was a strong call to link tourism with empowerment — especially for women, youth, and people with disabilities — and to modernise through technology, skills training, and infrastructure improvements.
“The tourism economy of tomorrow is African. It is youthful. It is green. It is digital,” said Minister de Lille.
As Africa positions itself as a leading tourism destination, leaders at the Indaba made it clear that the journey ahead will be rooted in unity, inclusivity, and pride in the continent’s unique stories, people, and places.
Amongst those who graced this event are Tourism Ministers of African countries and delegates from other parts of the world.
