The Mpumalanga Tourism Expo 2024 is gearing up to be a key event for the tourism industry with strong emphasis on fostering business-to-business (B2B) interactions and promoting the province as a tourist destination.
According to the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA), this year’s expo will kick off with a speed marketing session on October 4, including an exhibition at Riverside Mall in Mbombela from October 4-6.
“We are focusing on enhancing B2B interaction through the speed marketing session,” an MTPA representative told Tourism Update. This approach is designed to streamline networking opportunities and create a dynamic platform for exhibitors and buyers to connect directly.
Expected participants and international involvement
The expo is expected to attract 60 exhibitors from various provinces of South Africa as well as international participants from Mozambique and the Kingdom of Eswatini. “We anticipate participation by 18 hosted buyers who will take part in the speed marketing session and the expo,” said the MTPA spokesperson. These buyers will also experience a familiarisation trip to one of Mpumalanga’s tourist attractions to enhance their understanding of the province’s offerings.
Boosting township tourism
Mpumalanga’s township tourism sector, while still underdeveloped, holds significant promise. The MTPA is committed to supporting the growth of this sector through training programmes. “We provide support to new and existing tourism businesses, offering training on starting a business, life skills, product development and access to marketing,” the MTPA spokesperson explained. By encouraging tourists to explore township offerings, MTPA aims to bring these areas into the mainstream tourism economy for the benefit of local communities and to enhance the overall tourist experience in the province.
Engaging the next generation of tourism professionals
This year's expo will also strongly emphasise educating and inspiring future tourism professionals. The MTPA announced that 50 tourism students will be invited to participate in educational activities. “Students will visit the Makhonjwa Mountain World Heritage Site and Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport,” the MTPA representative noted. These visits are intended to deepen students’ understanding of tourism operations and inspire them to consider careers in the industry.
Infrastructure investment and development
Addressing the current state of tourism infrastructure, the MTPA is ensuring facilities in its reserves are adequate with ongoing maintenance. “We are continuously working on infrastructure maintenance and upgrades,” the MTPA spokesperson said, highlighting several projects in the budget for the financial year 2024/25. Among these are multi-year projects such as the installation of bulk water supply infrastructure at key tourist sites like Bourke’s Luck Potholes and God’s Window in the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve. These projects aim to improve the visitor experience and support sustainable tourism growth.
With focus on business interactions, township tourism, student involvement and infrastructure development, the 2024 Mpumalanga Tourism Expo is poised to make a significant impact. The MTPA's efforts to enhance tourism in the province reflect its commitment to economic growth and the sustainable development of Mpumalanga’s rich cultural and natural heritage.
