BY PHUMZILE NDLOVU
MAPUTO – The second day of the Trialand Excursion kicked off its second leg on (Sunday) March 30, 2025, in Matola, featuring a day packed with activities designed to strengthen tourism ties among South Africa, Mozambique, and Eswatini.
The day began with a scenic boat ride from Port Maputo to Santa Maria. Participants enjoyed the hour-long journey on three boats, setting the tone for a day of adventure.
Upon arrival, the delegation was welcomed with a traditional dance performance that highlighted the rich local culture.
Attendees participated in various water activities, including canoeing and deep-sea diving under the guidance of professional instructors. Others enjoyed a leisurely swim on the shore, complemented by snacks and a mini lunch.
After a fun-filled afternoon, the group savoured a delicious seafood buffet at Bemugis Restaurant, just a short distance from their activities.
The delegation returned to Port Maputo by boat, taking in the sights, including the iconic KaTembe Bridge, completed five years ago.
The day concluded with a cocktail dinner at MH Residencial Hotel, attended by key figures from the tourism sectors of South Africa, Mozambique, and Eswatini.
Notable attendees at the dinner included, Richard Baulene – CEO of Mozambique Tourism,
Ntwanano Mtungwa – Executive Manager of Tourism for Mpumalanga, Vusi Dlamini – CEO of the Eswatini Tourism Authority.
During the dinner, Dlamini highlighted the critical role of media and stakeholder engagement in promoting tourism. Baulene expressed gratitude for the delegation’s visit and encouraged them to share positive experiences about Mozambique. Mtungwa acknowledged the pressure on South Africa to host the final leg of the excursion, promising to announce the date soon.
The Trialand Excursion serves as a vital platform for networking and enhancing tourism relations among South Africa, Mozambique, and Eswatini. The Eswatini delegation departed Mozambique shortly after 10:30 AM, wrapping up this enriching experience.
