South Africa and neighbours promote regional Tourism

Collins Chabane, South African Minister in the Presidency in charge of Performance, Evaluation and Administration

South Africa and neighbours promote regional Tourism
Funke Atohengbe, Kwazulu Natal

South Africa, Mozambique and Swaziland have kicked off the Tourism Activation Excursion linking their three countries, starting from the World Heritage Site of Isimangaliso Wetlands Park in Kwazulu Natal North Coast.

The initiative, known as the East Rand Routes, would help promote economic and tourism development between the three neighbouring countries.

Speaking at the take off, the South African Minister in the Presidency in charge of Performance, Evaluation and Administration, Collins Chabane, described the initiative as a giant step towards regional integration as spearheaded by the Southern Africa Development Community.

Improving interstate trade

He said regional integration was about breaking barriers between countries of the region to encourage interstate trade and investment as well as free movement of persons.

The Provincial Member of the Executive Council for Economic Development in Kwazulu Natal, Mike Mabuyakhulu and his counterparts from Swaziland and Mozambigue led the delegations from the three countries including potential investors,

Mabakhulu said the three countries stand to gain a lot from the initiative.

He noted that while the special development initiative had yielded tangible results, more could still be achieved if the three countries collaborate with each one of them bringing something unique to the table.  This, he said, would bring about economic growth and position the countries for proper global competitiveness.

Williams