CEO urges citizens to embrace tourism

NUMBI – September is National Tourism Month and the CEO of the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA), Mr Jacques Modipane, has urged citizens to visit tourist attractions.

This was during the official provincial launch and unveiling of scheduled activities for the month, themed community development.
“We need to market our own province by adopting the culture of travelling. The MTPA has various activities lined up and communities have an important role to play.”

Throughout September the MTPA will focus on encouraging more people to embark on leisure activities. The MTPA has teamed up with various stakeholders like Tourism Enterprise Partnership, SANParks, various government departments, district and local municipalities.

This partnership will allow us an opportunity to leverage on the offerings of various stakeholders aimed at profiling the vast potential of the province, especially in the less popular areas.”

Community leaders need to educate locals about the negative impact crime has on the economy. It is delaying our economic progress,” said the MEC for economic development and finance, Mr Eric Kholwane echoing Modipane’s pleas to criminals targeting tourists and painting a bad picture of this part of the country.

“Tourism is the main role player in addressing unemployment and there should be awareness campaigns to educate residents about the importance of protecting people visiting our province,” he added.