Mpumalanga Business 2019/20 edition

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
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.
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MPUMALANGA BUSINESS 2019/20