MBOMBELA – MEC for Economic Development and Tourism, Jesta Sidell, says the 2026 Africa’s Travel Indaba served as an important platform to grow the province’s tourism sector and attract investment.
MEC Sidell led a Mpumalanga delegation to the annual tourism trade show held from 11-14 May, where the province showcased its tourism offerings under the brand “The Place of the Rising Sun”.
During the event, the MEC and Interim Board Chairperson of the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency, Fish Mahlalela, engaged with local and international buyers, investors and tourism stakeholders to strengthen partnerships and boost tourist arrivals.
Key engagements included meetings with the Indian Consulate, delegations from Mozambique and Eswatini, as well as neighbouring provinces including Gauteng, Limpopo and KwaZulu-Natal. According to the department, the Indian Consulate committed to assisting in marketing Mpumalanga through its social media and marketing platforms.
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Sidell also hosted a Tourism Investment Dialogue with potential investors aimed at positioning Mpumalanga as an investment-ready tourism destination.
“We are delighted to indicate that we held a successful Tourism Investment Dialogue with potential investors to engage on various investment opportunities Mpumalanga tourism can offer. Our discussion with the potential investors were anchored on the understanding that tourism is a vital, labor-intensive pillar on the developmental agenda, driving inclusive economic growth, poverty alleviation and infrastructure investment,” explained MEC Sidell.
“I can assert without fear of contradiction that the Place of the Rising Sun is uniquely positioned to become a leading tourism investment destination,” added Sidell. The Africa’s Travel Indaba provided Mpumalanga with an opportunity to market its tourism products and experiences to predominantly international hosted buyers and global tourism stakeholders.
