Mpumalanga Launches Tourism Month 2019

September is tourism month and this year Mpumalanga launched the month with a bushbraai hosted by MTPA in the Manyeleti Game Reserve on Tuesday 26th August.

Guests were transferred in the dark on open safari vehicles from Manyelei Main Camp to a remote location deep inside the reserve where they were greeted by local traditional singers and dancers in an attractive setting illuminated by paraffin lanterns and a large bonfire.

Keynote speaker for the evening was MEC Pat Ngomane, political head of the Mpumalanga Department of Economic Development and Tourism.

MEC Ngomane reiterated that safety of tourists was paramount and that all citizens of the Province should ensure that visitors should be made to feel welcome and safe.  He stated further that recent incidents of crime against tourists had given many potential visitors to the Province as well as the tourism industry a negative perception of the Mpumalanga as a destination which could threaten existing jobs and would help in growing the tourism economy in the Province.

Co-operation between the private sector and government was crucial if tourism in the province was to grow, said Mr Ngomane.  He made it clear that he wished to see a growth in township tourism grow and more people from previously disadvantaged communities benefit from tourism in the form of jobs, supply of services, etc.  He also encouraged residents of Mpumalanga to explore more of their own Province and experience the wonderful sights and activities the Province had to offer.

MEC Ngomane acknowledged that there were challenges such as the state of some of the roads to popular tourism attractions and hoped that through engagement with his colleagues in Provincial Government, action could be taken to resolve some of these issues.

As private sector we look forward to constructive engagement with government to grow tourism in Mpumalanga and ensure that it becomes more inclusive.