As part of Africa Travel Indaba the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) hosted a high-level Inter-Ministerial meeting of the Triland partnership on May 14.
The strategic engagement brought together officials and ministers from the Republic of Mozambique, the Kingdom of Eswatini, and Mpumalanga Province to reflect on progress, exchange insights, and strengthen regional cooperation.
The Triland initiative, conceptualised in 2009, represents a trilateral collaboration focused on regional tourism development, economic integration, and environmental sustainability. The meeting served as a platform for presenting progress reports, generating policy inputs, and issuing directives from respective Ministers and MECs aimed at furthering the goals of the partnership.
The collaboration is guided by three cornerstone policies:
- The Inco-Maputo Agreement, which promotes the protection and sustainable use of transboundary water resources, particularly in the Nkomazi and Maputo regions.
- The Lubombo Transfrontier Conservation Area (TFCA), focusing on biodiversity conservation, cross-border tourism development, and environmental stewardship.
- The RETOSA Charter, a regional framework for tourism marketing and cooperation in Southern Africa.
Each partner contributes a unique tourism appeal: Mpumalanga is celebrated for its pristine natural landscapes and game reserves; Eswatini for its rich Royal traditions and cultural heritage; and Mozambique for its picturesque coastline and white sandy beaches.
This partnership is not just about enhancing tourism; it’s about driving inclusive economic growth, attracting global investment, and fostering sustainable development across borders, Local municipalities, such as Chief Albert Luthuli Municipality stand to benefit significantly through increased exposure and investment in their nature reserves, heritage sites, and hospitality sectors.
The meeting concluded with a ceremonial exchange of gifts among the delegates, symbolising mutual respect and a deepened commitment to regional co-operation
