MBOMBELA – The Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) is rolling out technology workshops, exploring Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions and planning community dialogues to strengthen tourism safety and environmental cleanliness across the province.
MTPA spokesperson Simphiwe Shungube was responding to a Highveld Chronicle enquiry following remarks made by MTPA Interim Board Chairperson Fish Mahlalela during the agency's Tourism Safety Campaign and Environmental Clean-up Initiative held in Hazyview a week ago.
Speaking at Sanibonani Resort Hotel and Spa, Mahlalela said cleanliness and safety are essential to growing the province's tourism economy.
"A clean and safe destination keeps tourists staying longer. The public must understand that the arrival of every 10 tourists creates one job. Tourism is a key economic driver in the Mpumalanga Province."
He also called on taxi associations to support cleanliness initiatives by discouraging littering and providing bins or refuse bags in taxis.
As part of its follow-up initiatives, the agency plans to host community dialogues aimed at improving tourism safety and environmental cleanliness.
Shungube said the MTPA has already started conducting workshops for tour operators and other tourism stakeholders to promote the use of technology.
"Through these workshops, we invite technology experts to equip tourism businesses with the skills and knowledge needed to leverage digital platforms, including online booking systems, to improve efficiency and enhance the visitor experience."
He said the agency is also exploring partnerships to introduce AI-driven solutions, including chatbots.
"The aim is to make tourism services more advanced, accessible and user-friendly for visitors."
Shungube said the initiative aligns with Mahlalela's call for the tourism sector to embrace innovation.
"We need to embrace technology, including artificial intelligence, to improve our effectiveness in the tourism sector."
He confirmed that planning is underway for a Tourism Safety Dialogue that will bring together key stakeholders to strengthen safety and improve the visitor experience.
"The dialogue will bring together key stakeholders, including the taxi industry, traffic law enforcement, bus operators, tourism businesses and community leaders, to discuss practical measures for improving safety and maintaining cleanliness at tourism attractions."
He added that engagements with traffic and transport stakeholders will focus on ensuring tourists enjoy a safe and hassle-free experience throughout the province.
"We want to ensure tourists enjoy a safe, welcoming and hassle-free experience in Mpumalanga Province, without being subjected to harassment or unnecessary inconvenience."
