The tourism sector is a dynamic economic force that contributes significantly to worldwide gross domestic product (GDP) while creating jobs and fostering human development.
“As South Africa, we are acutely aware of the transformative power of tourism and business events and we are working hard to elevate the profile of tourism and attract more business events and visitors to our beautiful and diverse country,” Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille said.
The Minister was addressing the Incentives, Business Travel & Meetings (IBTM) World Trade Show 2024 in Barcelona, Spain, on Wednesday. Tourism was for too long, seen as a “secondary” sector, its full potential often underestimated, she said.
“We come to IBTM World this year with excitement as in a few days’ time South Africa will officially take [the] Presidency of the 2025 G20 Summit, following Brazil’s hosting of the summit this year and ahead of the United States of America who will host the summit in 2026.”
She said as the leading business events destination in Africa and the Middle East as affirmed in the latest International Congress and Conventions Association (ICCA) rankings, South Africa stand proud and ready to host the G20 Summit and showcase all our diverse offerings in business and leisure tourism.
“South Africa hosting the G20 Summit marks a significant milestone and it is important both for our country and the greater African continent.
“As the only African country in the G20, South Africa brings a unique perspective to discussions, particularly those affecting developing nations and the African continent.
“Hosting the summit allows South Africa to not only spotlight issues such as economic inequality, development, climate change, and fair-trade practices but it is also helps to once again helps to connect countries to grow tourism and highlights South Africa’s capability to host successful incident-free global big events,” she explained.
READ | Brazil officially hands over G20 Presidency to South Africa
De Lille said the South African meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) industry was valued at 6.6 billion US dollars (R121.8 billion) in 2023, and it is projected to grow fourfold over the next eight years, reaching 25.9 billion US dollars (R477.9 billion) by 2032.
“I am confident that, with our dedicated efforts, we can even exceed these projections and this is why being at this crucial platform at IBTM World is important to us as we are committed to growing this sector beyond projections.
SA's hosting prowess
“South Africa has consistently demonstrated its capability to host high-profile local and international events, showcasing our expertise and commitment to excellence.
“I can confidently assure you that, as a country we are looking forward to welcoming all the visitors including world leaders, delegates, media personnel and support staff to our shores.”
She added that South Africa has a formidable track record of hosting successful major business events annually and that the country’s hosting prowess will once again be on show for the world to see.
“We are excited to be able to share our unique stories with the world’s media as we also share with them our vast tapestry of cultures, award winning cuisine, natural beauty, diverse attractions and infrastructure.
“There is no doubt that as more of the world gets to see our country through the G20 Summit lens, we are confident that they too will be interested in coming to meet in South Africa and exploring our country.
“We are therefore looking forward to hosting even more international conferences, trade shows, and business events in future because certainly if the world still did not believe it, the G20 Summit cements our country as a capable host for large-scale events.”
De Lille told delegates attending the summit that South Africa is not just a destination, it is the gateway to the future of global collaboration and unforgettable experiences.
“The G20 Summit provides South Africa many gains and we are excited to use this event to grow global visibility, showcase our infrastructure improvements, and a strengthen our brand as a tourism and business events destination,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za
