According to a statement from the South African Tourism Department, this meeting marks the start of a series of engagements planned throughout the year, culminating in the G20 Tourism Ministers' Meeting scheduled for September.
The discussions during the working group meetings will focus on several key priorities, including the development of people-centered artificial intelligence, fostering innovation to enhance travel experiences, and supporting tourism start-ups as well as small, micro-, and medium-sized enterprises (SMMEs).
Additional focus areas include promoting tourism financing and investment to drive equality and sustainable development, improving air connectivity for seamless travel, and strengthening resilience to ensure inclusive and sustainable growth in the tourism sector.
The Tourism Working Group is one of 16 G20 working groups tasked with developing multi-sector, policy-driven solutions to address global socio-economic and political challenges.
South Africa, the first African nation to hold the G20 presidency, aims to leverage its leadership role to advance a developmental agenda that benefits the continent. Under the theme *"Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability,"* South Africa seeks to foster a better Africa and a better world through collaborative efforts.
Upcoming Meetings
The second G20 Tourism Working Group Meeting is scheduled to take place from May 11 to 13 in KwaZulu-Natal Province, followed by the third meeting on September 10 to 11 in Mpumalanga Province.
The G20 Tourism Ministers' Meeting will then convene on September 12 in Mpumalanga Province, where participants will focus on advancing global tourism priorities and promoting sustainable development within the sector.