MBOMBELA – The Kruger Lowveld Chamber of Business and Tourism (KLCBT) brought together tourism leaders, business stakeholders, government representatives and industry experts for a two-day conference focused on growing Mpumalanga’s tourism economy through innovation, collaboration and strategic partnerships.
The conference started with a dedicated Tourism Conference at Anew Hotel in White River on 10 June 2026 before moving to a Business Conference at Emnotweni Arena in Nelspruit on 11 June 2026.
Opening the Tourism Conference, KLCBT CEO Linda Grimbeek emphasised the importance of promoting Mpumalanga’s rich culture, heritage and authentic African cuisine as key tourism assets.
Through the Taste The Seven culinary activation, delegates explored how local food, heritage and cultural experiences can be packaged into unique tourism offerings capable of attracting both domestic and international travellers while creating opportunities for local communities.
The conference programme featured a range of tourism experts who shared insights on cultural tourism, digital marketing, artificial intelligence, inclusive tourism and strategies for attracting international travellers.
One of the key presentations came from the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA), where Linda Qutywa outlined investment opportunities linked to tourism products under the agency’s management. Delegates were encouraged to explore opportunities that could unlock further growth within the province’s tourism sector.
Another highlight was the presentation of the Panorama Route Reimagined initiative by Graskop Gorge co-director Oupa Pilane. The project was presented as a groundbreaking and innovative initiative aimed at transforming the Panorama Route into a world-class tourism destination through a collective and collaborative approach.
Pilane explained how the initiative seeks to strengthen one of Mpumalanga’s most iconic tourism routes, known for its landscapes, waterfalls, hiking trails and natural attractions, by improving visitor experiences, encouraging investment and creating sustainable economic opportunities for surrounding communities.
Discussions throughout the conference reinforced the importance of innovation and adaptation in an increasingly competitive tourism environment. Speakers highlighted the growing role of digital platforms, social media marketing and artificial intelligence in helping tourism businesses reach new markets and improve customer experiences.
Proceedings concluded on a high note with a live interview on the Global and Domestic Political Outlook featuring Solly Moeng and facilitated by renowned media personality Izaak du Plessis of Nuuspod. The discussion focused on South Africa’s political landscape, elections and the potential impact of political developments on business confidence, investment and tourism growth.
Delegates described the conference as a valuable platform for networking, knowledge-sharing and exploring practical solutions to challenges facing the tourism sector.
A recurring theme throughout the two-day event was the need for stronger partnerships between government, business and communities to unlock the full potential of tourism as a driver of economic growth and job creation.
Stakeholders were challenged to work collectively towards positioning tourism among the leading contributors to Mpumalanga’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), with speakers noting that the sector still has significant untapped potential despite the province being home to some of South Africa’s most recognised tourism attractions
