Province ready to showcase its beauty
Mpumalanga has risen from its previous position three in 2011 to position two in 2012 in terms of international arrivals.
The CEO of the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency has encouraged people to develop a tourism culture.
Mr Jacques Modipane was speaking at the launch of the provincial tourism month which was recently held at the Lowveld Botanical Garden.
He added that people should also travel and discover the province’s hidden treasures as it boasts many tourist-attraction sites.
Modipane said that through its engagements with the private sector, government had identified areas of collaboration in an effort to promote the province.
“Tourism is led by government and should be private-sector driven. September affords us the opportunity to showcase the beauty of the country and teach people how to travel and appreciate its beauty,”
he added.
According to the MEC for the economic development, environment and tourism, Ms Pinky Phosa, this month is celebrated in an effort to promote domestic tourism to encourage South Africans to visit and explore their own country.
“As a result, the minister of tourism, Mr Marthinus van Schalkwyk, has launched a new domestic tourism marketing campaign, known as “Nothing’s More Fun than a Sho’t Left”, which emphasises the fun of a domestic leisure getaway, and encourages South Africans to take short breaks.
It reminds them to take well-deserved holidays to experience new places and people,” she added.
She said that the province had an abundance of hidden treasures and unique tourist attractions.
This year’s tourism month is celebrated under the theme “Tourism and water – protecting our common future”.
“Tourism remains one of the most crucial sectors towards economic growth and job creation, hence statistics indicate that one out of every 11 people is employed in the sector.
This is one of the key sectors which the province has identified in the Mpumalanga Economic Growth and Development Path, as having the potential to create much-needed job opportunities,” Phosa added.
She indicated that the province had risen from its previous position three in 2011 to position two in 2012 in terms of international arrivals.
