The Group of Twenty (G20) is an international forum of both developing and developed countries that seeks to find solutions to global economic and financial issues. It comprises of 19 countries including: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Türkiye, United Kingdom, and United States and two regional bodies, namely the European Union and the African Union. The G20 does not have a permanent secretariat or staff. Instead, the G20 Presidency rotates annually among the members.
South Africa presided over the G20 Presidency in 2025. The G20 Presidency was responsible for advancing the G20 agenda, in consultation with other members and in response to developments in the global economy.
As the first African country to preside over the G20 Presidency, South Africa utilised its term to drive a developmental agenda that would benefit the continent, through the theme: Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability to foster a better Africa, and a better World.
The South African Department of Tourism facilitated the G20 Tourism Working Group (TWG) engagements. The G20 TWG brought together senior officials, authorities and experts from G20 members, invited countries and international organisations to chart a way to advance sustainable tourism growth. The TWG met four times in the course of the year to engage on four priorities:
This work culminated in the Mpumalanga Declaration, adopted at the G20 Tourism Ministers' Meeting on 12 September, which provides clear, strategic guidance on all of South Africa's Presidency's tourism priorities. South Africa's Presidency also produced four deliverables, developed through the technical support of UN Tourism, and with guidance and inputs from the participating TWG members and invited participants.
PRIORITY 1:
People-Centered Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Innovation to enhance Travel and Tourism Start-Ups and SMMEs
| PRIORITY 2:
Tourism Financing and Investment to Enhance Equality and Promote Sustainable Development
| PRIORITY 3:
Air Connectivity for Seamless Travel, and Development
| PRIORITY 4:
Enhanced Resilience for Inclusive, Sustainable Tourism
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