IN PHOTOS: Expo gives much-needed exposure to Mpumalanga tourism
Both the Mozambique and eSwatinian Tourism Authorities were in attendance at this year’s Mpumalanga Tourism Expo, representing the importance of the Triland Route.
The fourth annual Mpumalanga Tourism Expo, hosted by the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) in partnership with Jakada Holdings, was a magnificent success and gave the province’s tourism ample exposure.
The campaign was held at Riverside Mall from October 4 to October 6. There was a speed marketing session at the Emnotweni Arena on Friday, October 4, and various activities and exhibitions on Saturday and Sunday.
This expo also attracted collaborations with various tourism boards, namely the Limpopo Tourism Agency, the KwaZulu-Natal Tourism Authority, the Mozambique National Institute of Tourism and the eSwatini Tourism Authority.
Jakada Holdings CEO Xolani Mthethwa said looking at this year’s expo, they managed to achieve their purpose. “We surpassed some of the things we wanted to achieve. Our aim was to bring more tourism authorities from different provinces and countries on board. We were able to sustain the Mozambique Tourism Authority and the eSwatini Tourism Authority, because these are the key partners when it comes to the Triland Route.”
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Mthethwa said looking at the target of 60 exhibitors, they managed to get 58 this year; an improvement on last year’s 44. “As we look at the equality of the tour guides we brought, it is exactly what we wanted to achieve, because sometimes you get operators who are currently not selling in Mpumalanga, and they are coming for the first time. We managed to get seasoned operators who are already selling the province, and they know what they are looking for.”
Mthethwa said people can expect more in the next edition of the annual tourism expo. He said the exhibitors who didn’t attend the 2024 event are missing out.
During an interview with the MTPA’s acting CEO, Justus Mohlala, he said there are solid plans in place. “As a management authority that is responsible for marketing this province as a tourism destination, we are not working alone, we are working with law enforcement agencies, government, private sectors, the industry and a tourism safety forum that meets frequently. This forum looks at improving our security measures, creating awareness for our tourists and communities and working together to make sure our tourists are safe when they visit the province.”
