Several countries in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) have expressed interest in joining forces with tourism authorities in Mpumalanga, eSwatini and Mozambique aimed at selling their areas as preferred tourism and investment destinations.
This emerged at the 4th Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) media launch in Mbombela on Thursday, August 15.
The partnership, known as the Triland Cooperation, is an initiative by the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA), the Eswatini Tourism Authority (ETA) and the Mozambique Tourism Board (Inatur) which aims to boost tourism and investment.
Tourism is crucial to the SADC economies, offering numerous benefits, including economic diversification, job creation, and regional development. South Africa is a leading tourist destination in the region, with diverse attractions ranging from wildlife to cultural and historical sites. Tourism contributes significantly to its GDP and is a major source of employment.
Delivering a keynote speech at the Media Launch, Acting CEO of MTPA, Mr. Justus Mohlala, said several SADC member countries – including Lesotho, Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe – have expressed interest in being part of the Triland Cooperation.
The MTPA also announced that the 4th Mpumalanga Tourism Expo will be held from the 4th to 6th of October 2024, at the Riverside Mall in Mbombela.
Mohlala emphasized that the Expo serves as a catalyst for economic development in the province and an opportunity to provide tourism students with exposure to workplace opportunities.
“The Expo has created 55 direct jobs…and an estimated 200 indirect jobs since its inception in 2021,” said Mohlala.
He also revealed that the MTPA has partnered with Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA) to host an educational tour for tourism students, focusing on opportunities in the aviation sector.
An MTPA Board member, Dr. Eric Khumalo, added that the EXPO is aligned with South Africa’s National Development Plan (NDP) and the United Nations (UN) 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
SADC countries have been working to promote intra-regional tourism, encouraging travel between member states. This is seen as a way to reduce dependency on international visitors and boost regional integration.
Tourism is a significant and growing sector in the economies of many SADC member states. Its importance varies across the region but generally contributes to economic growth, employment, foreign exchange earnings, and regional development. Here’s a closer look at how important tourism is to SADC economies:
In nations like Seychelles, Mauritius, and Namibia, tourism can account for a significant portion of GDP, sometimes exceeding 10% or even 20%. Tourism generates vital foreign exchange earnings, which are crucial for balancing trade deficits. For countries with less diversified economies, like Seychelles and Mauritius, tourism is a primary source of foreign currency.
The tourism sector is labour-intensive and creates jobs across various skill levels, from hotel management to tour guiding and transportation services. In countries like Tanzania and South Africa, tourism provides direct and indirect employment to millions of people. Tourism stimulates growth in related industries such as hospitality, transportation, entertainment, and retail, further enhancing its role in job creation.
Tourism often drives infrastructure improvements, including roads, airports, and public utilities, which benefit broader economic activities and improve regional connectivity.
In many SADC countries, tourism development extends to rural areas, promoting economic opportunities in regions that might otherwise be marginalized. Ecotourism and community-based tourism are particularly important in rural areas of countries like Botswana and Zambia.
Tourism revenue often supports conservation efforts, especially in countries with significant natural attractions like national parks and wildlife reserves. Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa, for example, have well-established wildlife tourism sectors that contribute to the conservation of biodiversity. The sector also helps preserve and promote cultural heritage, including traditional crafts, music, and festivals, which are important aspects of the identity and appeal of SADC countries.
The importance of tourism to SADC economies also makes them vulnerable to global events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, which severely impacted tourism-dependent economies. Recovery efforts have highlighted the need for diversification and resilience in the tourism sector.
Tourism, particularly related to wildlife and natural wonders like Mount Kilimanjaro and the Serengeti, is a key sector in Tanzania, contributing to both GDP and foreign exchange earnings. Known for its beaches and luxury resorts, tourism is a cornerstone of Mauritius’s economy, providing jobs and supporting the island’s economic stability.
