H.E. Patricia de Lille

Patricia de Lille is the current Minister of Tourism for South Africa, a position she has held since March 2023. A long-serving politician, she also founded the political party Good and has held significant roles including Mayor of Cape Town and Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure. Before entering public service in the post-apartheid era, she was active in the trade union movement and played a key role in drafting South Africa's constitution.
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BRIDGING THE SKIES: UNLOCKING GLOBAL CONNECTIVITY
With around 58% of international tourists traveling by air, connectivity remains the lifeblood of global tourism. Yet, while major hubs flourish, regions such as Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific continue to face critical gaps in routes and infrastructure. Targeted policies, public–private investment, and strategic partnerships hold the potential to unlock transformative opportunities, expanding access, resilience, and economic inclusion. How can we bridge the skies to build a truly connected tourism future?