The annual Mpumalanga Tourism Expo, a pivotal platform for showcasing diverse tourism products and services, continues to drive the recovery and expansion of the tourism sector. This year’s expo, held from October 4 to 6 at Riverside Mall in Mbombela, marked four years since its inception and played a crucial role in promoting domestic tourism in South Africa and the Mpumalanga province.

One of the standout features of the event was its focus on provincial tourism students, offering them unique opportunities to interact with exhibitors and gain valuable industry insights. The platform also provided visibility for guesthouses, restaurants, and other tourism-related ventures, boosting their presence in the competitive market.

Exhibitors included a wide range of tourism establishments such as Happy Valley Hotel Ezulwini, Extreme Adventure Camp, Mount Lu Casa, Ebundu Lodge, and various travel agencies showcasing their offers. These exhibitors helped highlight Mpumalanga’s tourism potential, which is enriched by its wildlife, including encounters with the ‘Big Five’ and numerous game reserves and national parks.

Xolani Mthethwa, CEO of Jakada Holdings, lauded the event’s success and its role in showcasing the province’s tourism offerings. “This has been a very successful Mpumalanga Tourism Expo, and we are hopeful that next year’s edition will be even bigger. We’ve seen the event grow, with new features like the adventure zone and participation from other provinces like KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng,” Mthethwa noted.

Justus Mohlala, acting CEO of the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency, emphasized the expo’s ongoing contribution to tourism growth in the province. He highlighted the introduction of a speed marketing session, designed to enhance business-to-business interactions, as a key addition to the expo.

The event also supported regional tourism integration through the Triland Agreement between Mpumalanga, the Kingdom of Eswatini, and Mozambique. Representatives from Eswatini and Mozambican tourism authorities, along with their tour operators, were invited to exhibit at the expo, promoting cross-border tourism collaboration.

Known for its breathtaking scenic views and diverse landscape, Mpumalanga remains a unique destination, offering an unparalleled wildlife experience that continues to attract both domestic and international tourists. The expo reinforces the province’s commitment to tourism growth and regional cooperation.