Mbombela - September is Tourism Month and the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency has pulled out all the stops to provide a thrilling calendar of events.
The agency's CEO, Charles Ndabeni, said the events would promote Mpumalanga as a destination of choice while paying homage to the province's unparalleled natural beauty, wildlife, adventure experiences and rich cultural heritage.
"This September, we will be celebrating diverse offerings within tourism, with a special focus on a tourism lifestyle product anchored on arts, culture and sport," said Ndabeni.
Starting on Friday, Mbombela is hosting the Mpumalanga Traditional Arts Market at the Lowveld Botanical Gardens.
The event, which was launched with great success last year, will last until Sunday and showcases the work of 38 traditional artists.
"Products on display and for sale include Ndebele murals, mohair tapestries, weaved baskets, beadwork, indigenous textiles, wood carvings, pottery and wire art," said agency spokesperson Brenda Watson.
"There will also be traditional food, wine testing, music and dance - all in celebration of September as Tourism and Heritage Month," she added.
On Saturday, the Mbombela Stadium will be packed with football fans eager to see national team Bafana Bafana facing Niger in their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
"This is yet another event that will afford soccer fans an opportunity to explore the myriad of other experiences and attractions on offer," Ndabeni said.
Another great offer this weekend is from the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa, which is offering a discount on prices for its Premier Classe train journey, which departs at 7pm from Johannesburg Park Station on Friday and returns at the same time on Sunday.
In addition, Comair has also provided special rates to Mbombela for this weekend.
"We invite our fellow South Africans to join us in Mpumalanga as we celebrate Tourism Month, which is aimed at encouraging South Africans to explore and travel within their own country," said Ndabeni.
National World Tourism Day celebrations will be held in Polokwane, Limpopo, on 27 September.
