MBOMBELA – Mpumalanga MEC for Economic Development and Tourism, Jesta Sidell unveiled a month-long programme yesterday designed to strengthen local tourism, showcase natural wonders and place communities at the centre of the industry.
Speaking at a media briefing held at the Lowveld National Botanical Gardens, MEC Sidell said Mpumalanga’s tourism month begins with the Provincial Tourism Careers Expo in Mashishing on 04 September.
More than 350 learners, educators and exhibitors will participate in the Provincial Tourism Careers Expo. The learners will compete in tourism debates and winners will represent Mpumalanga nationally.
From 05 to 07 September, the Teachers Development Programme will focus on aligning educators with updated curriculum trends.
Residents will enjoy free entry to ten nature reserves during Mpumalanga Parks Week scheduled between 08-12 September in areas such as the Blyde River Canyon, Loskop Dam and Manyeleti Nature Reserve. “The initiative seeks to encourage locals to travel and explore the various tourism attractions across the province,” said Sidell.
MEC Sidell also said the sporting calendar, a structured schedule of sporting events designed to stimulate a destination’s economy by attracting visitors, will include the Barberton Makhonjwa Mountain Marathon. This is the only marathon in the world staged on a World Heritage Site.
The Barberton Makhonjwa Mountain Marathon is a qualifier for both the Two Oceans Marathon and Comrades Marathon. The Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency has been organising the marathon for the past 3 years.
On 11 September, the province will host the G20 Tourism Hackathon Awards at Sabi River Sun Resort, recognising youth-driven Artificial Intelligence solutions for sustainable tourism.
The following day, on 12 September, will mark Mpumalanga’s headline G20 Tourism Ministers’ Meeting at Skukuza’s Nombolo Mdhuli Conference Center in the Kruger National Park. The meeting will bring together ministers and senior officials from G20 countries to discuss sustainability, accessibility of destinations through air routes and digital innovation in the sector.
“The G20 visit will also see the announcement of legacy projects and initiatives aimed at fostering long-term growth and sustainability in the province’s tourism sector,” said MEC Sidell.
Other highlights include the Provincial Tourism Day in Bethal on 20 September, a Panorama Route Clean-Up Campaign on 24 September and the Mpumalanga Tourism Expo from 26 to 28 September at Riverside Mall, featuring more than 60 tourism products and services.
With these events, Mpumalanga positions itself as both a leading South African destination and an emerging global tourism player ready to welcome the world.
