Alfred Moselakgomo

Alfred Moselakgomo

If the latest statistics are anything to go by, Mpumalanga is becoming a destination of choice for tourists to this country.

This was revealed by MEC for economic development and planning Craig Padayachee in Hazyview at the weekend.

Padayachee, who was opening the state-of-the-art Nhlangano conference centre, said the latest statistics indicate that the province has climbed to the third spot in terms of international arrivals since December last year.

He said the opening of the centre was a necessary addition to the growing portfolio of tourism facilities and services that was contributing to the growth of the sector in the province.

"The opening of this centre is an affirmation of our view that the province has the capacity to become a priority destination for both international and domestic tourists."

He said the confidence shown by stakeholders on the ability of the tourism industry to grow despite the economic situation was not misplaced.