Mpumalanga Tourism Expo: A Catalyst for Tourism Growth

The long-awaited 5th annual Mpumalanga Tourism Expo is scheduled to take place at the Riverside Mall, in Mbombela, from 26 to 28 September 2025.

Conceived at the height of COVID-19 pandemic to fast-track the recovery of the industry and provide market access to tourism products and services, the Expo is regarded as a premier promotion platform, and a catalyst for tourism growth in the domestic and regional markets with the aim to:

– Provide a marketing platform for provincial tourism products and services
– Promote domestic tourism directly to consumers
– Create a platform for interaction with hosted buyers from key source markets
– Encourage cross-border tourism within the region
– Provide a platform for provincial tourism students to witness “tourism in action” and receive career guidance

Event Highlights

The Mpumalanga Tourism Expo has consistently demonstrated its value as a tourism promotion platform. The number of exhibitors grew by 68% in 2024, and over the past four years, the event has:

– Showcased 150 tourism products from South Africa and the region
– Hosted 46 buyers from key source markets
– Featured 98 media houses to amplify the province’s tourism offerings
– Inspired 147 tourism students to pursue careers in the industry

Economic Impact

The expo has generated significant economic spin-offs, with estimated economic benefits of R50 million. This event is poised to make a substantial impact on the local economy, fostering business-to-business interactions and promoting sustainable tourism practices.

Expo Details

– Media launch of the 2025 tourism expo in August 2025.

– Create a platform for 70 exhibitors.

– Invite 20 hosted buyers from South Africa and the region.

– Invite and host 15 media representatives from key mainstream media houses.

– Host some of the tourism expo build-up events in the Nkangala and Gert Sibande regions.

– Conduct a provincial tour for both hosted buyers and media representatives.

– Invite 50 tourism students to tour the province and learn about career opportunities available in the tourism industry

– Provide a networking platform for all exhibitors, hosted buyers, media and all partners.

Day 1 – Friday, 26 September

Exhibition

Speed Marketing

Day 2 – Saturday, 27 September

Exhibition

Provincial & Student’s Tours

Networking event

Day 3 – Sunday, 28 September

Exhibition

How to Get Involved

If you’re interested in participating in the Mpumalanga Tourism Expo, you can:
– Register as an exhibitor: Contact Jakada Holdings or the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency to secure your spot
– Attend the event: Join industry professionals, buyers, and media representatives to explore opportunities and network
– Support tourism development: Contribute to the growth of the tourism industry in Mpumalanga and beyond

For more information, visit the Mpumalanga Tourism Expo website or contact:
– General Enquiries: +27 82 568 3075
– Email: info@mptourismexpo.co.za