Johannesburg is buzzing this month as thousands of delegates, support staff, business leaders, and media personnel from around the world arrive ahead of the 2025 G20 Leaders’ Summit.
International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola confirmed that 42 countries have committed to participating in the G20 Summit in Johannesburg.
This includes 20 member states (excluding the USA), 16 guest countries, and six countries representing regional economic communities in Africa, the Caribbean, and East Asia.
For South Africa, the event is about much more than politics and economics, says Berry Everitt, CEO of the Chas Everitt International property group.
“It’s a golden opportunity to showcase the country’s attractions and highlight how international tourism positively impacts the property market,” he explains.
Everitt notes that tourism and real estate have long been closely linked.
“When global attention turns to a destination, visitor numbers rise, confidence grows, and investment usually follows. South Africa has seen this repeatedly, from hosting the 2010 Soccer World Cup and other major sporting events to the 2023 BRICS and AGOA summits. These events raised the country’s profile and drew visitors who often returned as property investors, homebuyers, or repeat tourists.”
Everitt reveals that hotel occupancy in Johannesburg and surrounding areas has surged, while bookings at restaurants, conference venues, and event spaces are climbing. Tourism contributes around 8.8% of South Africa’s GDP and supports an estimated 1.7 million jobs. Experts say the G20 Summit’s ripple effect will further boost the sector, strengthening direct spending and reinforcing South Africa’s reputation as a top destination for both business and leisure travel.
StatsSA figures show that over 7.6 million international visitors arrived in South Africa from January to September 2025, a rise of more than 1.1 million compared to the same period in 2024.
In line with the summit, the Department of Tourism (DT), in collaboration with Airports Company South Africa (ACSA), South African Tourism (SA Tourism), the Gauteng Tourism Authority (GTA), and the Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA), announced the launch of a Smart Tourism Visitor Information Centre (VIC) at OR Tambo International Airport on 19 November 2025.
The centre will welcome the G20 delegates and international visitors during the holiday season, showcasing the country’s renowned hospitality and vibrancy.
anita.nkonki@inl.co.za
Saturday Star