DURBAN — Mpumalanga’s participation at the 2026 Africa’s Travel Indaba has been positioned as a strategic move to attract investment, create opportunities for tourism businesses and strengthen the province’s standing as one of Africa’s preferred tourism destinations.
The Indaba, hosted from 11 to 14 May 2026 under the theme “Unlimited Africa: Growing Africa’s Tourism Economy,” attracted nearly 10 000 delegates, over 1 000 hosted and non-hosted buyers from 44 countries, and more than 1 100 exhibitors from 22 African countries. Mpumalanga attended the tourism showcase with 30 tourism businesses supported by the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) representing the province, while many more from the province also participated, led by key tourism stakeholders such as the Kruger Lowveld Chamber of Business and Tourism (KLCBT). The event was officially opened by Cyril Ramaphosa, who highlighted the importance of ensuring tourism benefits local communities, referencing the success of Vilakazi Street as an example of how tourism can create opportunities and economic activity at community level. The Mpumalanga delegation was led by MEC for Economic Development and Tourism Jesta Sidell, while the Department of Culture, Sport and Recreation also participated in showcasing the province’s rich heritage and cultural diversity.
Reflecting on Mpumalanga’s participation at the Indaba, MTPA Interim Board Chairperson Fish Mahlalela said the province has already started seeing positive outcomes from engagements with investors and tourism stakeholders during the exhibition. He revealed that some investors have shown interest in investing in Mpumalanga tourism projects, particularly in areas linked to community-owned tourism assets, as the province looks to build on successful models such as the Manyeleti Game Reserve, which is now yielding beneficiation for the community, something they greatly appreciate.
“We have had investors who were saying we are ready to even come tomorrow, we are ready to come to Mpumalanga to invest and put money and develop the areas, creating opportunities for the people,” said Mahlalela.
Mahlalela said what should follow now is the acceleration and development of investment projects, particularly focusing on greenfield opportunities where development can commence with ease, working with the Communal Property Associations (CPAs), which work closely with the MTPA.
For many tourism businesses and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) attending under the Mpumalanga Village, the Indaba created opportunities to network with buyers, establish partnerships and gain exposure to international tourism markets. Several exhibitors described the event as an important platform for growth, collaboration and learning.
Among the exhibitors from Nkangala District was Ledumo Lodge, a four-star establishment from eMalahleni attending the Indaba for the second time, which described the experience as valuable, citing networking opportunities and helpful business connections made during the exhibition.
Tour operator Tasberry Travel and Tours also reflected positively on the event after engaging with tourism operators and industry stakeholders from different regions.
Mpumalanga Regional Training Trust (MRTT) Marketing Manager Zanele Khoza highlighted the need for upskilling within the tourism sector, saying many tourism businesses already have teams in place but require empowerment in key hospitality skills to improve customer experience and service delivery. She added that they have seen great interest in their offerings and will be welcoming those businesses.
Also in attendance was Pretty Mhlongo, who had a very hectic week and said her role at the Indaba was to support tourism MSMEs and help market Mpumalanga as a preferred tourism destination. Co-founder of Graskop Gorge Lift Co, Oupa Pilane, who has attended the Indaba since 2006, said one of the major benefits of participating in the exhibition is the ease of connecting with tourism stakeholders from across Africa in one space.
“What is more important is the B2B selling, being here saves you travelling, making calls because everyone who is an important tourism stakeholder is here,” said Pilane.
Pilane further encouraged Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to package their offerings together to improve their competitiveness and allow them to better compete with larger tourism establishments.
Meanwhile, cultural businesses also benefited from the exposure received during the exhibition. Sarah Skosana from Thenjiwe Beadwork in Dr JS Moroka Local Municipality said visitors showed strong interest in their handmade products and purchased some of their work during the event.
Nelisiwe Skosana from Itjhudu Projects also reflected on the opportunities gained through networking and skills-sharing engagements, revealing that some visitors even expressed interest in learning beadwork skills from them.
Mahlalela further revealed that the MTPA will soon unveil its winter tourism campaign, which will also feature the 100-year commemoration of the Kruger National Park. He invited local and international tourists to explore Mpumalanga’s diverse cultures, scenic landscapes and tourism attractions, which continue to position the province as one of South Africa’s leading tourism destinations.
