WHITE RIVER — Mpumalanga is set to use the 2026 Africa's Travel Indaba 2026 to strengthen tourism investment, attract international buyers and position itself as one of Africa’s leading tourism destinations.
This emerged during a media briefing held at the 247 Hotel in White River on Friday, 08 May 2026, where the provincial statement was delivered by Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) Interim Board Chairperson Fish Mahlalela.
The tourism trade show, scheduled to take place from 11 to 14 May in Durban, will be held under the theme “Unlimited Africa: Growing Africa’s Tourism Economy.” The event is recognised as one of the continent’s biggest tourism exhibitions, bringing together global buyers, investors and tourism stakeholders.
Speaking during the briefing, Mahlalela said the province’s participation forms part of a broader strategy to unlock economic opportunities through tourism while showcasing Mpumalanga’s attractions to international markets.
“We will continue to participate in any strategic platform that presents an opportunity for us to market Mpumalanga as a tourism destination of choice,” he said.
Mahlalela emphasised that the province’s attendance at the Indaba should be viewed as a deliberate economic intervention aimed at positioning Mpumalanga as a prime tourism destination in line with the priorities of the seventh administration.
The provincial delegation will include the MTPA, the Department of Culture, Sport and Recreation, as well as the province’s three district municipalities.
The province intends using the platform to create market access for tourism Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), increase the visibility of local tourism products and pursue new investment partnerships.
“As part of our activities during the Indaba, we are going to host a high-level Tourism Investment Dialogue to engage strategic partners and potential investors,” Mahlalela said.
He said the initiative is expected to boost investor confidence and encourage direct investment into Mpumalanga’s tourism sector.
To maximise exposure during the event, the province has secured a dedicated exhibition area branded as the “Mpumalanga Village”, where municipalities and tourism businesses will showcase local attractions and investment opportunities.
Thirty tourism MSMEs, including lodges, accommodation establishments, tour operators, destination management companies and crafters, are expected to exhibit under the provincial stand.
The province will also use the platform to engage strategic stakeholders through meetings with organisations such as South African Tourism, SANPARKS, the Gauteng Tourism Authority and tourism authorities from Mozambique and Eswatini.
This year’s Indaba coincides with the centenary celebrations of the Kruger National Park, which turns 100 years old on 31 May 2026. Mahlalela described the milestone as significant for both the province and the country’s tourism sector, noting the park’s contribution to economic growth, job creation and poverty alleviation over the years.
He said the Kruger National Park remains one of South Africa’s biggest tourism attractions and will continue drawing visitors to the “Province of the Rising Sun” through its world-renowned wildlife experience.
Responding to questions, Mahlalela also outlined the role played by the interim board since assuming responsibility at MTPA. He said the agency had been facing financial strain, but the board has managed to restore some level of financial stability while continuing to market Mpumalanga’s tourism offerings.
He added that efforts have also been directed towards improving the condition of tourism facilities and nature reserves to ensure that sites remain clean, operational and attractive to visitors.
