ZIWAPHI • VOL 4 NO 10 • 14 - 20 May 2010
Durban - This province made its presence felt at the annual celebrated Tourism Indaba held at the ICC in Durban last week.
Mpumalanga was represented by more than ten tourism operators and exhibitors from all around the province.
The province showcased its diverse cultural uniqueness by displaying different tourism packages.
The Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) stole the limelight by launching their new Visitor’s Guide which includes the seven key pillars of the province, namely the African Wild Life, Rich and Diverse Culture and Friendly and Peaceful people and others.
“Our province is a truly friendly and peaceful city and I am certain that our visitors during the World Cup and beyond will have a great time here experiencing the true African life and adventures,” said the Mbombela Mayor Lassy Chiwayo during the launch.
The launch was attended by dignitaries from Swaziland and Mozambique. This included the Swaziland Tourism Minister Macford Sibandze, the Economic Development, Environment and Tourism, Jabu Mahlangu and Charles Ndabeni, the CEO for Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency.
Another local Collen Sibuyi, a tour guide won himself and the province an award in the Tourist Guide of the year category.
The lost for words Sibuyi, said he was happy that his efforts to improve the tourism industry were finally recognised.
“I don’t know where to begin, I am over the moon about this achievement and this award goes to the people of the province,” he said.
This year’s episode of the Tourism Indaba hosted 13 000 guests, surpassing last year’s 12 000. The event, which is owned by the South African Tourism and organised by Kagiso Exhibitors and Events, has won the World Travel Award for Africa’s best Travel and Tourism show for two consecutive years.
This year’s event was also blessed with the presence of President Jacob Zuma, LOC CEO Danny Jordan, FIFA Secretary Jerome Valcke and SA Tourism CEO, Thandiwe January-MacLean.
Mpumalanga shines at Tourism Indaba