KATHMANDU: Tourism can be a powerful driver of equality, innovation, and economic development if countries work together, UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili told G20 Tourism Ministers during their recent meeting under South Africa’s presidency.

Highlighting the summit’s theme—“Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability”—Pololikashvili called for stronger multilateralism through tourism, noting that inclusive policies and shared responsibility are essential in an interconnected world.

Four Key Priorities

The G20 discussions focused on:

• Boosting Travel & Tourism Startups and MSMEs through digital innovation.
• Tourism Financing and Investment to support equality and sustainable growth.
• Improving Air Connectivity for seamless travel.
• Building Resilience for inclusive, sustainable tourism development.

Pololikashvili stressed that “there will be no resilience without sustainability,” urging governments to support digital transformation and provide financing to close the digital divide, especially for micro, small, and medium-sized tourism enterprises that form the backbone of the industry.

Tourism’s role in development

While tourism is a major source of jobs, foreign exchange, and tax revenue for many developing countries—including Least Developed Countries and Small Island States—Pololikashvili noted that the sector still receives less than 0.11% of total Official Development Assistance (ODA). He urged G20 members to scale up funding and treat tourism as a key development tool.

Africa’s emerging leadership

Commending South Africa’s leadership, he highlighted Africa’s vast tourism potential, pointing out that 70% of sub-Saharan Africa’s population is under 30, offering enormous opportunities for job creation and investment.

Global impact

G20 economies collectively account for 70% of international tourist arrivals, 83% of global tourism GDP, and 23% of global service exports. With international tourist arrivals rising 5% in the first half of 2025, Pololikashvili said now is the moment to channel tourism’s growth into inclusive and sustainable development worldwide.

As the official Knowledge Partner for South Africa’s G20 Presidency, UN Tourism reaffirmed its commitment to helping nations unlock tourism’s full potential—for economic resilience, social inclusion, and shared prosperity.