The Mpumalanga MEC for economic development and tourism, Jesta Sidell, is scheduled to lead the Provincial Tourism Awareness Day in Bethal, Govan Mbeki Local Municipality, on Saturday, September 20.

Sidell will be in the company of the Gert Sibande District Municipality’s executive mayor, Cllr Walter Mngomezulu, and the executive mayor of Govan Mbeki Local Municipality, Cllr Nhlakanipho Zuma.

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“The aim of the event is to create tourism awareness within our communities. The Provincial Tourism Awareness Day takes place annually by rotating among the three district municipalities in the province. These are Ehlanzeni, Gert Sibande and Nkangala,” said Thomas Msiza, spokesperson for Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDT).

This celebration of the Tourism Awareness Day enables the DEDT, Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) and local government an opportunity to interact with various stakeholders and educate the community about the importance of tourism,” added Msiza.

He said a similar event took place at the Masibekela Recreational Park in the Nkomazi Local Municipality, which falls under the Ehlanzeni District Municipality last year.

“Hosting the event within the Gert Sibande District Municipality also empowers the local tourism sector to showcase the district’s hidden gems, creating a platform for crafters and service providers, and highlighting opportunities for sustainable tourism development,” explained Msiza.

He said the exposure was not only boosting local enterprises but also strengthens the district’s position as a contributor to the provincial economy.

During the event, crafters and various government entities are invited to exhibit and share with communities the services they provide.

Saturday’s event will take place at the Bethal Regional Park from 10:00.