G20 delivers R1 billion tourism boost for Gauteng

Zuko Komisa

Gauteng province generated an estimated R1 billion from visitors attending G20 events hosted over the weekend, according to Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille.
Arrivals from the United States have now surpassed those from the United Kingdom, driven by visitors seeking value for money in a market unaffected by geopolitical tensions.
The summit concluded with a declaration focused on key policy priorities, including climate change, disaster resilience, and ensuring debt sustainability for poorer countries.

South Africa’s Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille, announced that Gauteng earned an estimated R1 billion in tourism revenue from visitors attending the G20 events hosted over the weekend.

This is an early figure, with most of the 130-plus G20 meetings held in the province during South Africa’s presidency.

Speaking at the summit’s conclusion, De Lille confirmed a full audit is underway, noting that sales of tour packages mean some delegates have extended their stay.

She expects accurate numbers in the coming week.

The G20 bloc adopted a declaration committing to action on climate issues, disaster resilience, and debt sustainability for low-income nations.

The Minister also highlighted a shift in the tourism market, confirming that US visitor arrivals now exceed those from the UK.

De Lille suggested this growth is driven by visitors seeking value for money, noting that tourism remains unaffected by geopolitical tensions or tariff disputes.