G20 Summit | Tourism is certainly part of the declaration: De Lille

The article is a transcript of an SABC interview with South Africa's Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille, conducted by reporter Ayandati outside the media center during the G20 Summit preparations in 2025. The discussion focuses on tourism's prominence in the G20 working groups under the Shepherd track and its reflection in the summit's declaration. Key points include G20 commitments to innovate, invest in air access, streamline travel, and reform visas to boost tourism. Minister de Lille highlights the sector's success, with overflowing hotels from Soweto to Sandton due to over 135 meetings, and expresses satisfaction that tourism is a major winner. On employment, she notes seasonal jobs extending into summer (starting September), efforts to train and retain semi-skilled and unskilled youth, a 1 million+ tourist increase in nine months, and a public-private partnership for job creation. Regarding US-South Africa geopolitical tensions, she reports no negative tourism impact; US visitors have surpassed the UK, with fully booked flights from Washington, Newark, Cape Town, and Johannesburg, leading to demands for more frequencies and a positive spin-off. Sustainable tourism is emphasized, with eco-tourism integrated into the declaration to balance environmental protection and attractions, shifting from recovery to growth. Seamless mobility is addressed through upcoming electronic visa authorizations for markets like China, India, Indonesia, and Mexico, alongside logistical successes like the Gautrain, encouraging repeat visits via G20 website promotions. Tourism currently contributes 8.8% to GDP and 1.6 million jobs, with potential for more through increased international and domestic visitors. The interview ends on an optimistic note about economic contributions, with a light-hearted weather remark. Overall, it underscores tourism's economic boost from the G20, policy advancements, and resilience amid global challenges.