The group's final deliverable will be a report detailing measures taken by member countries to address challenges in professional qualifications and to promote robust, sustainable, and balanced global tourism growth.
Professional qualifications, sustainability, and financing mechanisms for sector development were critical topics at the 3rd G20 Tourism Working Group (TWG) meeting in Rio de Janeiro on July 1st. Chaired by Brasil's Ministry of Tourism (Ministério do Turismo/MTur), the meeting gathered around 20 delegations from major global economies. The resulting report will outline the measures adopted by all members to address challenges in professional qualifications and to promote robust, sustainable, and balanced tourism growth.
In her welcoming speech, Executive Secretary Ana Carla Lopes highlighted tourism's potential to drive economic growth, promote sustainability, and foster social development.
"Meetings like these are essential for strengthening ties between our countries, promoting a deeper understanding of our cultures and economies, and facilitating sharing experiences that will influence important debates. These include increasing female participation in tourism, developing accessible tourism for people with disabilities, and promoting more sustainable, responsible tourism. The initiatives benefit tourists, the environment, and especially residents," said the secretary.
Professional qualification and tourism education
During the meeting, professional qualification was highlighted as essential for improving tourism services, enhancing competitiveness, and generating jobs and income. The group emphasized the need for investments in tourism education and skills development. The sustainability discussion underscored the importance of practices that minimize the environmental impact of tourism, promoting a balance between economic growth and ecological preservation.
"The exchange of experiences and knowledge among our countries and organizations is crucial for advancing together in building the tourism the world needs and deserves: more inclusive and responsible," concluded Executive Secretary Ana Carla Lopes.
Heitor Kadri, head of the Special Advisory Office for International Relations at MTur, spoke about the meeting's outcomes. "Today, we concluded the third meeting and are pleased with the results. It was a challenging day, but marked by great cooperation. We achieved concrete outcomes and finalized documents to shape leaders' decisions at the year-end. Brasil led in the best possible way and partnered effectively with other countries. I am confident our discussions will better guide international tourism policies," concluded Heitor Kadri.
The meeting also provided an opportunity to evaluate the discussions and progress of the G20 TWG from 2010 to 2023, ensuring support and continuity of strategic summit actions.
Attendees included international entities such as UN Tourism, the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF), the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), which contributed their perspectives and expertise in the sector.
HISTORY OF THE TWG - The first meeting of G20 Tourism ministers, known then as T20, took place in 2010 and was convened by the South African government. Later that year, under the South Korean presidency, a second meeting was held to discuss the sector's contribution to economic growth and job creation.
AGENDA - The upcoming group meeting will be held from September 19 to 21 in Belém, Pará, and tourism ministers from other member countries will also attend. During Brasil's G20 presidency, over 100 working group and task force meetings will occur. The presidential summit is scheduled for November in Rio de Janeiro.
