Gauteng records R21 billion in domestic spending as G20 Summit approaches

Ahead of the upcoming G20 Summit, Gauteng MEC for economic development, Lebogang Maile, has revealed that the province has recorded more than 6.4 million visitors and generated more than R21 billion in domestic spending in the current financial year.

Maile who briefed the media on Sunday, indicated that while the province remains the net exporter of domestic travel due to the high number of people with a sizable disposal income per capita, it managed to achieve 6.4 million domestic trips while generating a total of R21 billion in domestic spending, underscoring the pride and participation in the provincial tourism economy and offerings.

This comes as South Africa's economic hub is anticipating a big buzz with economic activity as it prepares to host the annual G20 Leaders' Summit, which will take place from 18 to 19 November 2025. The summit will bring together leaders from 19 member countries and representatives from the African Union and the European Union.

Maile revealed that more than R1.8 billion was realised as direct contribution of hosted quality signature events in the province, and a total of R19 million in revenue was generated for SMMEs, underscoring the transformative nature of tourism and quality events hosting and leveraging in the province.

As a result of this strong performance, Maile said Gauteng has reinforced its status as the most visited province in South Africa and the continent’s most globally connected tourism gateway.

"Gauteng has without a doubt, reinforced its status as the most visited province in South Africa.  In 2024/25, Gauteng recorded over 3.8 million international arrivals, a significant increase from the previous year's 2.6 million. As a result of this increase, the foreign direct spend or international tourism revenue contribution also rose to R41 Billion against our target of R29 billion," he said.

Maile indicated that the surge in numbers reflects the province's intentional strategy of attracting local and international travelers as well as event hosting, adding that this strong performance highlights the province's popularity and its significant contribution to the local economy.

"This growth is not accidental, but intentional. It is a product of targeted investment, increased airlift capacity, new air routes, heightened impact-driven destination marketing, and strategic bidding and hosting of catalytic events and conferences," he added.

According to the Gauteng Tourism Authority, the recent Chris Brown concert at FNB Stadium was one of the biggest contributors to the province's tourism sector.

"Chris Brown's two-day Gauteng concert was a massive success, injecting R900 million into the economy, creating 6,000 temporary jobs, and generating R300 million in global media value. It proves the power of major events to boost tourism and employment for the province...Signature events in Gauteng are a powerful engine for economic growth. These events have directly contributed R1.8 billion to the economy, with R19 million in revenue generated specifically for SMMEs," the authority said.

siyabonga.sithole@inl.co.za