Local crafters empowered at Mpumalanga Tourism Expo
The expo that was held in Mbombela has this far generated over R40m, with most beneficiaries being tourism stakeholders from the province
The annual Mpumalanga Tourism Expo has once again seen an increase in the number of exhibitors. The fifth edition of the event took place at Riverside Mall from Friday to Sunday, September 26 to 28.
The Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency’s (MTPA) chairperson, Fish Mahlalela, praised the expo as an excellent platform for small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) and other stakeholders in the tourism sector.
Mahlalela said the platform also makes it easier for potential clients to access information about a variety of products and services.
“I must stress that we were very impressed, firstly because many SMMEs are showcasing a wide range of products and services – from safari and lodging to cultural activities – highlighting just how diverse these offerings are. This diversity will surely excite clients and tourists visiting Mpumalanga,” said Mahlalela.
Hosting this year’s expo comes with significant economic spin-offs, which will enable SMMEs in the tourism sector to create much-needed job opportunities, especially for the youth.
Mahlalela said that to date, more than R40m has been generated, with tourism stakeholders from across the province being the biggest beneficiaries.
The founder of the expo, Xolani Mthethwa, noted that last year there were 58 exhibitors, while this year the number rose to 77.
Mthethwa added that this year’s offerings were highly diverse, including hospitality services, tour operators, fashion designers, and various types of crafters.
“The exhibitors are mainly from Mpumalanga, but others are coming from provinces such as KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, Limpopo, Free State, and Cape Town, as well as from the Kingdom of Eswatini and Lesotho,” said Mthethwa.
He explained that the platform is important for exhibitors to gain exposure and showcase their work. He noted that many SMMEs fail due to a lack of access to marketing and larger platforms.
The MTPA CEO, Lemmy Mdluli, said the expo forms part of the Tourism Month initiatives, aimed at promoting local tourism on a larger scale. He emphasised that those unable to attend major events such as the Africa’s Travel Indaba can use the expo to market their products.
He also expressed excitement about the participation of other SADC countries, noting that this will broaden the province’s tourism reach.
