The annual Mpumalanga Tourism Expo, a dynamic platform to showcase a diverse range of tourism products and services, continues to thrive in acting as a crucial driver for the recovery and expansion of the tourism sector.
This year marked four years after its inception and was hosted at Riverside Mall in Mbombela from October 4 to 6, promoting domestic tourism in South Africa and Mpumalanga province.
One of the major highlights of the event is offering provincial tourism students a unique opportunity to interact with exhibitors, gain industry insights, and enhance visibility for their guest-houses, restaurants, or other tourism-related ventures.
The exhibitors included Happy Valley Hotel Ezulwini, an ultimate African luxury establishment, Extreme Adventure Camp, Mount Lu Casa, Ebundu Lodge, various travel agencies, and multiple travel agencies showcasing their offers.
Endowed with a bounty of African wildlife, the region provides an exhilarating safari encounter with the ‘Big Five’ as well as multiple game reserves and national parks that highlight the province’s diverse wildlife.
Xolani Mthethwa, the founder and chief executive officer of Jakada Holdings, hailed the impact of the expo, revealing that it continues to thrive in showcasing the rich tapestry of the province.
“This has been a very successful Mpumalanga Tourism Expo, the fourth one, and we are hoping that the fifth one is bigger and better. And we have seen the growth of the event itself.
“I think we have witnessed some of the new introductions, like your adventure zone, and also have other provinces coming to exhibit, like your KwaZulu-Natal, and Gauteng, as well.
“I really think that going forward we will grow the event to have even more tourism authorities and other provinces coming because this event provides a platform for domestic marketing and regional integration,” said Mthethwa.
Speaking at the event was Justus Mohlala, acting CEO of the Mpumalanga Tourism & Parks Agency, who discussed the platform and its ongoing role in fostering the expansion of tourism in the province.
It is also explained that the expo is a vehicle for regional tourism integration in the spirit of the Triland agreement signed between Mpumalanga, the Kingdom of Eswatini, and Mozambique.
“The Mpumalanga Tourism Expo continues to be a good platform for the promotion and growth of tourism in the province. This year we have agreed to add a speed marketing session as part of the tourism expo to enhance the business-to-business element.
“We again continue to implement the Triland cross-border marketing initiative through the invitation of the Eswatini and Mozambican Tourism Authorities, including their tour operators, to exhibit in this event.”
A wildlife trip to the province offers an unparalleled experience in South Africa’s natural splendour, combining the wild beauty of nature with the wonders of African wildlife, providing an unforgettable voyage through the animal kingdom.
The province is renowned for its breathtaking scenic views and diverse landscape, making it a truly unique and awe-inspiring destination.
The Star
anita.nkonki@inl.co.za