The Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) together with the Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDT) launched the tourism month programme in the province at Manyeleti Nature Reserve on Tuesday.
This year’s theme also focuses on tourism’s current role as a job creator. as job creation remains a high priority for the province.
“The month of September, known as Tourism Month provides us an opportunity to showcase the various tourism offerings in the province and encourage our local communities to travel and explore what is in their backyard.
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It is when we have a month-long focus on creating awareness on the importance of domestic tourism to the economy. The tourism sector plays an integral part in our society as it has the potential contribution to social development and economic growth”, said the MEC for Economic Development and Tourism, Pat Ngomane.
Ngomane added that domestic tourism is key in ensuring that our local people discover the diverse offerings available locally and benefit from them. “It is therefore important to ensure that tourism products developed are sustainable and accessible to all.”
There are a series of exciting events lined up for the month of September to attract more visitors into the province.
Events scheduled include among others:
- Mbombela Jazz Charity Golf Day and the Ray Phiri Memorial Lecture to be delivered by Professor Lumumba from Kenya on September 5.
- The Lilizela Awards on September 6.
- Mbombela Jazz Festival on September 7 and 8.
- Mpumalanga Provincial Parks Week from September 9 to 13.
- Know your small town campaign on September 20 and the Tourism Awareness Day on September 21 in Barberton.
