Havana, Cuba – Deputy Minister Fish Mahlalela of South Africa has joined the South African Ambassador to Cuba, HE Pinky Phosa, at the G77+China Tourism Ministerial Meeting in Havana, Cuba. The meeting aims to address the critical issue of economic, inclusive, and sustainable development for the countries of the South.
The G77+China group consists of 134 developing countries, with a common goal of enhancing their negotiating capacity on international economic issues. The group provides a platform for developing nations to collaborate on various issues that are affecting their economies.
The Ministerial Meeting will discuss a range of issues, including the challenges facing the tourism sector in developing countries and how to promote sustainable tourism. It will also examine ways to enhance the role of tourism in promoting economic development and poverty reduction in the countries of the South.
Deputy Minister Fish Mahlalela stressed the importance of promoting sustainable tourism practices in developing countries. He highlighted that tourism could be a powerful tool for economic growth, job creation, and poverty reduction. However, it could also have negative impacts if not managed correctly.
Deputy Minister Fish Mahlalela with South African Ambassador to Cuba, HE Pinky Phosa at the G77+China Tourism Ministerial Meeting in Havana, Cuba. The meeting will discuss among other “Economic, inclusive & sustainable
development for the countries of the South.”#WeDoTourism pic.twitter.com/eSj3i7M3bg
— Dept of Tourism (@Tourism_gov_za) May 5, 2023
“Tourism is a crucial sector for many developing countries. It has the potential to drive economic growth and reduce poverty, but it can also lead to negative social and environmental impacts. It is essential that we promote sustainable tourism practices that benefit both tourists and the local communities,” said Deputy Minister Fish Mahlalela.
HE Pinky Phosa, the South African Ambassador to Cuba, emphasized the need for developing countries to work together to address common challenges. She highlighted that the G77+China group provides an excellent platform for developing countries to collaborate and share best practices.

“The G77+China group provides an opportunity for developing countries to collaborate and address common challenges. We need to work together to promote economic, inclusive, and sustainable development in the countries of the South. This meeting provides an excellent platform for us to share our experiences and best practices,” said HE Pinky Phosa.
The G77+China Tourism Ministerial Meeting in Havana, Cuba, will provide an opportunity for developing countries to come together and discuss ways to promote sustainable tourism practices and economic development. It is hoped that the meeting will lead to concrete actions and initiatives that will benefit the countries of the South.
