DURBAN – The MEC for finance, economic development and tourism,
Mr Eric Kholwane said the Triland Regional Brand was significant in boosting tourism, trade and investment and subsequently contributing to economic growth of Mpumalanga, Swaziland and Mozambique.
Kholwane spoke during the meeting with the Swaziland tourism minister, Mr Jabulani Mabuza at the 2015 Tourism Indaba in Durban.
“The conceptualisation of the Triland Regional Brand was a good initiative but unfortunately became dormant due to some challenges we faced. It is thus an opportune time for us to revive this strategy and make it work for the benefit of the people of Mpumalanga, Swaziland and Mozambique,” said Kholwane.
The overall objective of the brand is to sell the province and its two neighbouring countries, Swaziland and Mozambique as one destination which offers tourists an opportunity to primarily experience the envisaged destination all in one day.
“The Triland brand offers tourists an opportunity to experience three countries in one day. They can enjoy their breakfast in Swaziland, then proceed to Mozambique for lunch, and finally enjoy supper in Mpumalanga.
At the same time, they will experience the Swazi culture, enjoy the beach in Mozambique, and finally experience the scenic beauty of Mpumalanga,” he added.
Tourism authorities in the province and the two countries will meet in the coming week to take the matter forward, including submitting a resuscitation plan to the political principals before the end of the month.
“Mpumalanga continues to be the preferred destination for tourists from Swaziland and Mozambique, who even come to the province for shopping and medical consultations.
It is thus necessary that we must harness this relationship and strengthen the brand for the benefit of all our people,” concluded Kholwane.
Meanwhile he also met with his Limpopo counterpart, Mr Seaparo Sekwati to discuss the finalisation of the possible transfer of the tourism and economic properties and infrastructure which had been affected by the cross-boundary changes between Mpumalanga and Limpopo.
The infrastructure in question is situated in the Bushbuckridge area, which now falls under the province.
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