MPUMALANGA LAUNCHES DIGITAL DRIVE FOR TOURISM GROWTH

By Eswatini Travel News | Ntsikie Gama

Mpumalanga has officially kicked off Tourism Month 2026 with a renewed commitment to digital transformation, inclusive tourism development and greater opportunities for emerging tourism businesses in the province’s rural and township communities.

The launch took place on Monday, 31 August 2026, at the scenic Loskop Dam Nature Reserve, where Mpumalanga MEC for Economic Development and Tourism, Jesta Sidell, outlined the province’s tourism priorities for September and beyond.

Eswatini Travel News was represented at the launch by Ntsikie Gama, who was on the ground to witness the province’s plans to position technology, innovation and community participation at the centre of its tourism growth strategy.

The launch comes under the 2026 UN Tourism theme, “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism,” with Mpumalanga placing particular emphasis on helping micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) take advantage of digital platforms to grow their businesses.

Throughout September, tourism entrepreneurs will have access to digital training aimed at helping them develop websites, strengthen their social media presence, use social commerce and connect with travellers beyond the province and South Africa.

MEC Sidell stressed that digital inclusion is critical to ensuring that tourism growth translates into meaningful economic opportunities, particularly for women and businesses operating in rural and township areas.

She highlighted the need to bridge the gender digital divide by ensuring that women-owned businesses have access to digital tools, training and opportunities within tourism supply chains.

Loskop Dam Positioned for Greater Tourism Growth

A key focus of the launch was the ongoing development of Loskop Dam Nature Reserve.

The province highlighted its 25-year public-private partnership with WeWild Africa, which is expected to contribute towards improving the reserve’s tourism infrastructure and visitor experience.

Planned and ongoing improvements include roads, accommodation and security, with the broader ambition of positioning Loskop Dam as a credible Big Five tourism destination.

The development is also intended to ensure that surrounding communities benefit from tourism through employment, procurement opportunities, guiding services, food production, crafts and cultural experiences.

Loskop Dam Nature Reserve itself is one of Mpumalanga’s notable tourism assets, offering wildlife, fishing, boat trips, hiking and other outdoor experiences around the expansive dam and surrounding landscape.

Free and Discounted Entry to Provincial Reserves

As part of efforts to stimulate domestic tourism during Tourism Month, visitors will also benefit from free or discounted entry to selected provincial nature reserves during Sho’t Left Travel Week and Mahala Week.

Among the reserves highlighted are Loskop, Blyde River Canyon and Manyeleti.

The initiative is aimed at encouraging South Africans to explore attractions within their own country while supporting local tourism businesses and communities.

September Packed with Tourism Activities

The Tourism Month launch marks the beginning of a month-long programme of activities across Mpumalanga, with events designed to promote the province’s natural beauty, heritage, wildlife, culture and adventure tourism offerings.

One of the key events on the calendar is the Barberton Makhonjwa Mountain 4-in-1 Marathon, scheduled for 12 September.

The province will also host tourism expos, familiarisation tours, career initiatives and conservation-related activities throughout the month, culminating in Provincial Tourism Day on 26 September in Dullstroom.

For Mpumalanga, the 2026 Tourism Month programme represents a deliberate move towards a more digitally connected and inclusive tourism economy — one where established destinations and emerging township and rural operators can benefit from the growing global demand for authentic African travel experiences.

As the province encourages visitors to #DiscoverMpumalanga, the message from the launch was clear: tourism is not only about attracting visitors, but about ensuring that the economic value created by those visitors reaches the communities that make the destination unique.

Eswatini Travel News will continue to highlight tourism developments across the region and showcase opportunities that strengthen Southern Africa’s tourism industry.