The Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) has announced that it will increase its tariffs starting November 1 as part of its strategy to fund infrastructure maintenance and upgrades across its tourism facilities and protected areas.

According to MTPA spokesperson Simphiwe Shungube, the revised tariffs for the 2026/2027 financial year will strengthen the entity’s ability to invest in infrastructure development while continuing to provide quality tourism experiences.

“To support these strategic infrastructure investments, the entity has reviewed its tariffs for the 2026/2027 financial year, effective from November 1. The proposed tariff adjustments are intended to strengthen the entity’s capacity to invest in infrastructure development, improve tourism facilities, and continue providing quality visitor experiences while supporting biodiversity conservation and local economic development,” said Shungube.

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He said the revised tariffs are available on the MTPA website and form part of the entity’s broader strategy to maintain and modernise tourism facilities, improve environmental sustainability, stimulate tourism growth and create employment opportunities throughout Mpumalanga.

Shungube said the agency has already commenced the implementation of its Infrastructure Maintenance and Upgrade Plan for the 2026/2027 financial year.

“The programme is aimed at improving tourism infrastructure, strengthening water security, enhancing visitor experiences, and supporting conservation management across the entity’s protected areas,” he said.

He added that the programme demonstrates the MTPA’s commitment to maintaining world-class tourism facilities while ensuring infrastructure supports sustainable tourism growth and biodiversity conservation.

A key focus of the programme is the upgrading of critical water infrastructure at several tourism destinations.

These include the upgrading of the bulk water pipeline and reticulation network at the Bourke’s Luck Potholes, improvements to the existing water pipeline at Three Rondavels view site, and the construction of a new three-kilometre bulk water pipeline and associated reticulation network at the Mdala Nature Reserve.

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All three projects are expected to be completed by March 31.

The agency will also expand its tourism offerings by developing three new wild camping sites at the Ohrigstad Nature Reserve to attract adventure tourists and diversify visitor experiences.

In addition, standardised directional signage will be installed at the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, Manyeleti Nature Reserve and Andover Nature Reserve to improve navigation, accessibility and the overall visitor experience.

At Bourke’s Luck Potholes, planned maintenance includes road reserve clearing, stormwater drainage rehabilitation and extensive landscaping around the guesthouse facilities to improve safety, environmental management and the overall appeal of the site.

Shungube said the MTPA will also refurbish and upgrade the capacity of septic tank systems at five strategic tourism facilities: Mahushe Shongwe Nature Reserve, Pinnacle Rock, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, Swadini, and the Three Rondavels.

The work will include the installation of new drainage systems to ensure compliance with environmental and public health standards.