Vusi Dlamini, CEO (Chief Executive Officer) of the Eswatini Tourism Authority,
By Lwazi Raul-Shongwe
The Triland Excursion, held in Dullstroom, Mpumalanga, has brought together tourism stakeholders from the Kingdom of Eswatini, and the Republic of Mozambique. The event has highlighted the potential for tourism to drive economic growth and development in the region.
The delegation from the Triland countries, including Tour Operators and Media representatives, were treated to a day of various fun activities that the serene town of Dullstroom has to offer, courtesy of the MTPA(Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency).
These activities included horse riding, quad biking, fly fishing, wine tasting, paintball shooting, hiking, and many more. The delegation was also exposed to the long history of the town and how it came to be a haven for tourists.
Dullstroom: A Hidden Gem
Vusi Dlamini, CEO (Chief Executive Officer) of the Eswatini Tourism Authority, praised the MTPA for choosing Dullstroom as the venue for the second day of the excursion. He described the town as “tranquil” and a “must-visit” destination. Dlamini encouraged Tour Operators to include Dullstroom in their packages, citing its natural beauty, game, and activities.
“ This place is a good addition to the Triland destinations. We encourage families to come here and experience different activities,” said Dlamini.
Promoting Regional Tourism
The Triland initiative aims to promote tourism integration and showcase the region’s diverse offerings. Dlamini emphasised the importance of collaboration and knowledge-sharing between the three countries. He suggested that the private sector should be actively involved in promoting tourism initiatives.
“ The three countries in the Triland are learning from each other, and we need to continuously expose the hidden gems that we have as destinations. Let’s ensure that the private sector is actively involved in these things. Ours, as government, is to create an enabling environment for business to thrive,” said Dlamini.
Economic Benefits of Tourism
Dlamini highlighted the economic benefits of tourism, citing statistics that show the sector contributed 1.2% to Eswatini’s GDP in 2024. He emphasised the need to compute the full impact of tourism on the economy, including the benefits to local communities.
Dlamini also mentioned the success of the Bushfire Festival in Swaziland and encouraged other Triland partners to liaise with the organisers of the event to share tips.
The Triland excursion has demonstrated the potential for tourism to drive economic growth and development in the region.
