In 2025, South Africa will host one of world leaders’ most influential gatherings—the G20 Summit. Being a part of this prestigious circle of nations showcases South Africa’s growing prominence on the global stage, and hosting the summit offers a tremendous opportunity for the country’s tourism, hospitality, and events management industries. The G20 Summit brings world leaders together to discuss global economic and developmental challenges and positions its host nation as a hub for collaboration, investment, and innovation. For South Africa, this means a chance to shine and make its mark as a sought-after destination for business and leisure travel.

Hosting the G20 Summit is a unique opportunity for South Africa to showcase its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture, and diverse attractions to an international audience. Travel and tourism form a significant part of the South African economy, contributing close to 7% of the country’s GDP. With the world’s gaze fixed upon South Africa during the summit, the anticipated influx of government delegations, corporate representatives, media professionals, and leisure travellers will boost inbound tourism substantially.

The G20 will provide opportunities for showcasing South Africa’s iconic destinations, such as Cape Town’s Table Mountain, the Kruger National Park’s wildlife safaris, and the vibrant streets of Johannesburg. Beyond these well-known locations, rural tourism ventures and secondary cities will also gain exposure, promoting equitable economic participation across regions.

With world leaders, dignitaries, and international delegates descending upon South Africa, the hospitality industry will be tested. The summit requires world-class lodging, dining, and service experiences, offering hotels, resorts, and bed-and-breakfasts a chance to step up and showcase their offerings. Major cities hosting G20 events will experience a significant demand boost for luxury accommodations and executive hospitality services.

Fine dining establishments and local food providers will also have an invaluable platform to shine. South Africa’s culinary excellence—rooted in a fusion of African, European, and Asian flavours—will entice visitors to explore the country’s culinary landscape at fine dining restaurants, bistros, and even street food establishments.

In addition, employment opportunities in the hospitality sector are expected to surge as new roles emerge to meet the demands of global guests. From customer service agents to hotel managers, the event will spur the need for a well-trained and highly skilled workforce, further professionalising the industry.

South Africa’s events management industry will play a pivotal role in the success of the 2025 G20 Summit. From planning conferences and networking sessions to organising cultural performances and catering to unique delegate needs, the sector will be responsible for delivering exceptional events. The ability to organise seamless and innovative programmes will elevate South Africa’s reputation globally as a go-to destination for future international conferences and large-scale events.

As the tourism, hospitality, and events management sectors prepare to capitalise on the momentum of the G20 Summit, education and skills training will become more critical than ever. At the forefront of this initiative is iQ Academy, which offers two critical short courses: Introduction to Travel and Tourism and Hospitality and Events Management.

The Introduction to Travel and Tourism course is ideal for those looking to gain foundational knowledge in the travel industry. It covers key topics such as global tourism trends, customer service skills, and the dynamics of cultural tourism. With the 2025 G20 Summit poised to draw international visitors, this course equips students with the tools to engage with global markets confidently.

On the other hand, the Hospitality and Events Management course provides learners with expertise in managing world-class hospitality and organising seamless events. The course is structured to prepare professionals to meet the demands of prestigious gatherings like the G20 Summit, focusing on event planning, service excellence, and strategic thinking.

Both courses are designed to empower individuals to thrive in their careers while contributing to the growth of South Africa’s key industries. By choosing iQ Academy, aspiring professionals can be leaders in a landscape where global opportunities meet local excellence.