by Danny Mdluli -

Mpumalanga Province Hosts Tourism Expo And Strengthens Its Triland Partnership

Last year, we were privileged to be among the select few media outlets granted the opportunity to explore Mpumalanga province during the Tourism Expo. This initiative, which began in 2021, has shown remarkable growth since its inception. With over 34 exhibitors on the floor, 14 hosted buyers and tour operators, and an additional tourism seminar tailor-made for high achievers, Mpumalanga province has truly dedicated significant efforts to ensure that both local and international guests receive exceptional value for their spending within the province.

Since its inception and its continuous contributions to the Triland partnership, Mpumalanga has welcomed over 1.2 million guests into the province for both business opportunities and leisure. The third annual Mpumalanga Tourism Expo is hosted at the Riverside Mall in the City of Mbombela, Mpumalanga Province and will continue till the 01 October 2023.

“We have seen a lot of growth in our expo from stating in 2021 where we had 26 exhibitors and 7 hosted buyers and tours operated which we have invited from different  provinces to come and check what tourism products are on offer. Last year the number of exhibitors grew from 26 to 30 and we have 12 hosted buyers. This year we have 34 exhibitors on the floor and we have 14  hosted buyers and tour operators.” Says Xolani Mthethwa Chief Executive Officer of Jakada Holdings.

MPUMALANGA TOURISM IS READY TO WELCOME VISITORS TO THE PROVINCE FOR THE METRO FM AWARDS

The Mpumalanga Tourism Expo is hosted in partnership with the Mpumalanga Tourism & Parks Agency (MTPA). The expo serves as a platform for tourism recovery and the promotion of tourism in the Mpumalanga Province and South Africa as a whole.

This tourism expo also plays a pivotal role in regional tourism integration, particularly with Mozambique and the Kingdom of Eswatini, in line with the Triland initiative. Triland encourages visitors to enjoy breakfast in Mpumalanga, lunch in Eswatini, and dinner in Mozambique.

by Danny Mdluli -

Rising to New Heights: The Phakama Mpumalanga Festival Takes Center Stage

Tourism Month in the stunning “place of the rising sun” has never been so vibrant! Get ready to celebrate with us as we gear up to host the very first Phakama Mpumalanga Festival, a two-day extravaganza like no other.

Picture this: local artists coming together to dazzle you with their talents, sparking a magical exchange of creative ideas, cultural vibes, and memories that’ll leave you smiling for days. It’s an outdoor festival that promises an unforgettable experience for all who grace us with their presence.

We’ve lovingly dubbed this event the “Coachella of the Mpumalanga province,” and the party kicked off in style on September 14, 2023, at the gorgeous Ngwenya Estate in Whiteriver Mbombela. Advocate Twain Ngwenya, the brilliant mind behind the Phakama Mpumalanga Festival, shared his excitement: “We’re thrilled to bring an event of this caliber to Mpumalanga, as we aim to cherish our rich cultural heritage.”

He continued, “Our province is a tapestry of diversity, and it’s high time we flaunt it to the world through festivals like this. By doing so, we’re not just having a blast; we’re also giving our local economy and tourism a much-needed boost. We’re looking to attract a diverse crowd of attendees from both near and far, which means exciting economic opportunities for our local businesses.”

What’s even more heartwarming is that Advocate Ngwenya, a true philanthropist at heart, announced that a portion of the festival’s proceeds will go towards supporting art initiatives in Mpumalanga. It’s all about empowering the next generation of artists and creators, and that’s music to our ears!

Hosting the launch event was the charismatic media maven, Tsholofelo Maseko, a proud Mpumalanga native herself. The gathering saw a star-studded lineup of guests, including Miss Mpumalanga 2023 Bokamoso Machika, the talented musician and songwriter Princess Indlovukazi, the ever-charming actor from Skeem Saam and Mzansi Magic’s telenovela “Komkhulu,” Bukhosibemvelo Mahlangu, and the groovy club DJ/Radio DJ (Ligwalagwala FM), Thulane “T Boy” Khanye.

The icing on the cake was a mini fashion show featuring homegrown fashion designers like Freedom “Giga Guru” Ngomane, Heavenly House, ET, Mkorosho, and Irvin Dee. Every model who graced the runway was a proud Mpumalanga native, showcasing the creative talent the province has to offer.

Now, for the grand finale! Mark your calendars for October 28th and 29th, 2023, as the Phakama Mpumalanga Festival takes center stage during the peak tourism season. We invite you to join us at the Whiteriver Fairlands Ngwenya Estate for a festival that’s bound to make memories that will last a lifetime