The Ministry of Culture and Tourism, through the National Tourism Institute (INATUR), took part from 23 to 25 October in the first phase of the TRILAND 2024-2025 project, a strategic joint tourism promotion initiative involving three southern African countries: Mozambique, South Africa (Mpumalanga province) and Eswatini.
The collaboration aims to create a tourism corridor that integrates the natural, cultural and historical destinations of the three countries, promoting cross-border tourism and fostering the sustainable development of the tourism industry.
The initiative also aims to strengthen regional co-operation and consolidate southern Africa’s image as a diverse and competitive tourist destination on the international stage.
For this edition of TRILAND, the implementation plan includes three excursions, with Eswatini being the first country chosen.
The Kingdom of Eswatini hosted delegations from Mozambique and the South African province of Mpumalanga, who explored the country’s main tourist attractions, including cultural and natural attractions.
The tour took in some of the highlights, such as the Summerfield Botanical Gardens, Mantenga Cultural Village, Swazi Candles, a visit to the city of Mbabane and the statue of King Gwamile, a visit to the Old Stone Church Museum in Manzini, a visit to the Hlane Royal National Park, and a business exchange between the three countries.
The Director General of INATUR, Richard Baulene, who led the Mozambican delegation, said that TRILAND has been a platform for strengthening the friendly and professional relationship between the three participating countries and, above all, because the joint effort encourages the participants to share endeavours and dreams.
‘We want the number of tourists to Mozambique to grow as a result of these actions and for there to be an appetite for the destination that covers the three regions.’
Eswatini’s Minister of Tourism and Environment, Jane Mkhonta, said that the Kingdom of Eswatini is prepared and committed to collaborating with Mozambique, as well as South Africa, in strengthening the tourism and cultural sectors, with the aim of consolidating the image of Southern Africa.
‘Together we will ensure that this project is active. What satisfies us is that TRILAND is already off the drawing board and our commitment is to see it materialise into tangible, visible and sustainable actions and activities.’
After Eswatini, the next phase will take place in Mozambique, from 2 to 4 December 2024, and Maputo Province will host the activities, which will include visits to the tourist destination of Macaneta and the City of Matola, where meetings will be held with local tour operators. In addition, participants from the three countries will have the opportunity to take part in recreational activities in the destinations, such as boat trips and visits to resorts. An official dinner will be organised with the participation of tour operators, the Provincial Governor, the Provincial Secretary of State and the Minister of Culture and Tourism, Eldevina Materula.
The third phase will take place in South Africa, specifically in Mpumalanga Province, in February 2025. In this last destination of the tour, participants from the three countries will have the opportunity to assess the region’s tourism potential, bearing in mind that the main aim of this initiative is to promote the development of sustainable and inclusive tourism between Mozambique, South Africa and Eswatini, through the creation of an integrated tourism offer. It also aims to Increase the number of tourists in the region;
Foster cooperation between the three countries; Diversify and strengthen each country’s tourism products; and Enhance the region’s natural and cultural heritage.
In addition to INATUR, Mozambique was represented by tour operators, travel agencies and the media.
In 2022, TRILAND covered Mozambique, Eswatini and South Africa in a single phase, exploring the potential of the three countries and involving operators from various branches of the region’s tourism sector.
