SD, Moz, Mpumalanga sign landmark MoU

Swaziland, Mozambique and South Africa’s Mpumalanga province have signed a landmark memorandum of understanding which will see a free flow of tourists from the three destinations leading to the 2010 FIFA world cup in South Africa.
The signing took place at the Royal Villas at Ezulwini last Friday. Mpumalanga and the two countries were represented by top brass in their respective tourism sectors, with Swaziland also having the Minister for Tourism and Environmental affairs, Macford Sibandze, being represented by the Minister for Health, Bennedict Xaba.
The package is designed to create some sort of a village between the three destinations, with tourists having possible access to all three in a space of 24 hours. The idea is to ensure that people are able to enjoy the rich wildlife in Mpumalanga, access the beautiful beaches in Maputo and have the pleasure of experiencing the royalty and rich cultural heritage of the Kingdom of Swaziland.
Chairperson of the Swaziland Tourism Authority (STA) Board Tim Zwane said the signing of the agreement was telling the whole world that a new triangle route has been born to global tourism. He said this product was unique in the sense that it differed from any other product ever offered.
“This will enable Mpumalanga and the two countries to enjoy unmatched cultural diversity, and further enable our tourists to have access to beautiful infrastructure, as well as enjoy the peace and stability that exists in the region,” he said.
Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) Board Chairperson Sabelo Mahlalela said the agreement would integrate tourism in the region and put it in a strong position to be the favourite destination amongst tourists. “Through this agreement, it would be possible to enjoy a breakfast in Nelspruit, lunch in Mbabane and dinner in Maputo.
“It makes it possible for a person to be in three countries in one day, which this is rare and impressive,” he said.
Mahlalela added that if the package was done well, both Mpumalanga and Swaziland would not have the disadvantage of having no beach as they would access one in Maputo. In return, people in Mozambique could enjoy Swaziland’s rich cultural heritage and the wildlife in Mpumalanga.
Mozambique Tourism Authority (INATUR) Board Chairperson, Jose Tomo Psico said the event marked a milestone in enforcing relations between the three countries.
“This partnership is a platform for building a strong tourism link between our countries,” he said.
The signing of the memorandum was the first of a three phase project, which will see the second phase, which is the development of brand architecture, taking place in Mozambique in the next few weeks. The final phase shall take place in Mpumalanga.

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