The road to G20, what are the real opportunities?

So everybody talks G20, and we see a lot of pre-G20 meetings and will ultimately see a portion of the real G20 here in Kruger National Park.  So what is the hype about and how will be benefit?

These people are coming for a meeting, they will not be here to have a tourism show.  They might not even sleep in our beds, but what will we  focus on when we do engage them?

We have to be better and better, we compete globally for business and tourists, let’s stop hiding behind lables.  The world will not cut us any slack.

Sustainability requirement is high on the agenda, let us already have  something to talk about as a country.  Renewable energy, waste          management, reduction of plastic, rehabilitation of natural forests, etc.

Learn from other governments on how they work hand in glove with private sector in their countries.  This is still our missed opportunity here in SA.

Use the G20 as a springboard for excellence in terms of maintenance and cleanliness, everything will be fixed-up and cleaned for the G20, let’s keep it that way.

Invite the travel trade from all the countries to come on a familiarization trip and make budget available for it.  Make sure we are ready with local offerings, and immersive, authentic cultural experience and new attractions waiting in the wings. After travelers, investors will follow.

What are we putting on the shelf for investors then?  Can we unlock the government properties and the traditional land that has great potential.    Let us write the recipe now before they arrive.  Our region is bursting with    potential.  Use this opportunity to stop denying our people a real future.

They will talk about trade agreements and import / export tariffs.  The great news is that Tourism is a very big ‘export’ product that does not attract any export duty!  Put your money on tourism and in tourism and invite the world!