OVERVIEW The provincial government department responsible for tourism is exploring opportunities via the BRICS initiative. It believes that visitor numbers from Russia could increase dramatically if a direct flight were introduced between Moscow and Mpumalanga. Thebe Tourism has three projects in the province, the Kruger Shalati (a luxury train on the Selati Bridge), the Blyde Canyon Community Project and a proposed development for Lisbon Estate which is adjacent to the Kruger National Park. The Lisbon development is projected to comprise two hotels, retail, hospitality and dining facilities and staff housing associated with the Lisbon Estate. At Blyde River Canyon, Thebe has signed an agreement with local communities with land claims in the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve which will involve them as shareholders in the new developments. God’s Window is to receive a Skywalk, the facilities at Bourke’s Luck Potholes will be rejuvenated, a cable car project is planned for Three Rondavels and another hotel is planned to boost accommodation options in the area. All of these projects have been registered with National Treasury as public-private partnerships. They are regarded as priority projects by the provincial government. The Provincial Government of Mpumalanga is looking for more private partners to invest in a range of ambitious projects to boost an already active sector that has several superb tourism assets, ranging from the iconic Kruger National Park (one of about 70 parks and reserves) to bird-watching, music festivals, car rallies and casinos. The provincial investment agency, MEGA, has packaged many tourism investment opportunities. The underlying principle in each
Bourke’s Luck Potholes
ONLINE RESOURCES Mpumalanga Gaming Board: www.mgb.org.za Mpumalanga Tourism & Parks Agency: www.mtpa.co.za South African National Parks: www.sanparks.co.za South African Tourism: www.southafrica.net South African Tourism Services Association: www.satsa.com
49
case is a form of public-private partnership where the agency would assist in getting land-use and other legal requirements, and perhaps in seeing that basic infrastructure was laid on, then the developer would build and manage a tourism facility. A transaction adviser has been appointed to flesh out these proposals for investable tourism products. An example of infrastructure investment from the government’s side is the upgrading of the Manyeleti Resort. Other provincial plans regarding tourism involve promoting the province as a convention venue. A Convention Bureau has been established and the city of Mbombela is being encouraged to build a large centre. Forever Resorts has a big presence in the province, catering to many caravans and campers and holiday-makers wanting to stay in chalets. There is also a four-star Forever Resorts Mount Sheba. The Graceland Hotel Casino and Country Club is a Peermont resort in Secunda. Tsogo Sun has six hotels in the province, ranging from two StayEasys to Southern Sun The Ridge, which is attached to the Ridge Casino in Witbank (Emalahleni). Tsogo runs a further two resorts in Hazyview (Sabi River Sun Resort) and White River (Pine Lake Resort). Protea Hotels by Marriott has three properties in Mpumalanga, including Protea Hotel Kruger Gate, Nelspruit and Hazyview. At White River, Premier Hotel The Winkler is 20 minutes’ drive from the Numbi Gate of the Kruger National Park. MPUMALANGA BUSINESS 2019/20
