Mpumalanga Tourism Expo set for September
More than 40 products will be showcased with exhibitors and buyers from all over South Africa.
The Mpumalanga Tourism and Park Agency (MTPA), in partnership with Jakada Holdings, is ready to host the province’s biggest tourism campaign, the Mpumalanga Tourism Expo, with over 40 products to be exhibited.
Set to take place at Riverside Mall from September 29 to October 1, a boost in the local tourism economy is anticipated.
With at least 44 products to be showcased, the expo will welcome exhibitors and buyers from other provinces, especially Gauteng, the Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo.
In support of the Triland Agreement, some buyers from Mozambique and eSwatini will interact with the exhibitors.
During the launch at the Tfokomala Hotel and Conference Centre on Tuesday August 15, the MTPA’s CEO, Mduduzi Vilakazi, said this edition of the expo is unique, as it will enlighten the business owners, buyers and 50 students interested in venturing into the tourism sector.
“We want to integrate tourism into ordinary people’s lives, because we have seen the huge impact domestic tourism has on our economy. We have seen at least 80% of tourists in 2022 were locals. We should not depend on international tourists to boost our economy, but make use of those in other provinces to visit Mpumalanga.”
ALSO READ: Disadvantaged woman from rural Marongwane Village needs funding
He said this expo will encourage township tourism and accelerate the engagements in marketing big events of music, sports and religion.
“I would also like to encourage tour operators to sell packages that infuse township attractions such as those in KaNyamazane, KaBokweni and eMalahleni. Attractions in such areas are growing, and we need to include them in our market,” Vilakazi said.
Jakada Holdings’s CEO, Xolani Mthethwa, said they hoped to transform and give exposure to tourism products that make Mpumalanga the ultimate tourism destination.
“The partnership with the MTPA has yielded fruitful results, and we hope it will elevate the economy as intended. We hope jobs will be created and young people will be empowered,” he said.
