MPUMALANGA TOURISM EXPO WRAPS UP ON A HIGH NOTE

By Tlalane Dlamini

MPUMALANGA- The three day Mpumalanga Tourism Expo has concluded at Riverside Mall, bringing together tourism stakeholders from across South Africa and the Kingdom of Eswatini in a showcase of the province’s diverse tourism offerings.

The Expo attracted 64 exhibitors from Mpumalanga and other South African provinces, including Gauteng and North West, alongside international exhibitors from the Kingdom of Eswatini.

The event also welcomed 16 hosted buyers from the Western Cape, Gauteng, KwaZulu Natal and Eswatini, creating a platform for business networking, partnerships and greater market access within the tourism sector.

Adding a skills development dimension to the Expo, 46 hospitality and tourism students from Mpumalanga participated in the event, gaining valuable exposure to tourism businesses, industry professionals and potential career opportunities.

Beyond the exhibition floor, the three day event generated economic activity across several sectors, including hospitality, transport, entertainment and retail, as exhibitors, hosted buyers, visitors and other participants made use of local businesses and services.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Expo, MTPA Acting CEO Ms Pamella Ntuli expressed her appreciation to exhibitors, hosted buyers, partners and visitors who contributed to the event’s success.

Ntuli highlighted the important role tourism continues to play in driving economic activity, creating employment and supporting businesses across the tourism value chain.

“Throughout Tourism Month, we have been conducting various tourism activities and activations aimed at encouraging tourists to visit Mpumalanga and explore its scenic beauty, diverse attractions and wildlife experiences. We are working hard to grow the number of tourists visiting Mpumalanga compared to the previous year,” said Ntuli.

The successful Expo comes as Mpumalanga continues to position itself as a destination offering a diverse mix of nature, wildlife, adventure, culture and hospitality experiences.

For Eswatini, the Expo also provided an important cross border platform to engage with Mpumalanga’s tourism industry and strengthen regional tourism connections, reflecting the growing opportunities for travel between the two destinations.

The MTPA continues to encourage both domestic and international travellers to visit Mpumalanga and experience the province’s wide range of tourism attractions.