The TRILAND project is a joint tourism promotion initiative bringing together Mozambique, South Africa and eSwatini in a strategic collaboration aimed at highlighting the cultural diversity, products and tourism services of each of the three countries. The main objective of this platform is to strengthen the joint image of these destinations as a diverse and competitive option on the international stage, promoting the sustainable development of the tourism sector and cooperation among the nations involved.
The first phase of TRILAND 2024-2025, which took place from 23 to 25 October in eSwatini, welcomed the Mozambican delegation, made up of 16 representatives of the tourism and communications sectors, and a delegation from the South African province of Mpumalanga. Both delegations were received by eSwatini's Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Jane Mkhonta, who reaffirmed her country's commitment to working closely with Mozambique and South Africa to strengthen the culture and tourism sector. The minister stressed that TRILAND has already moved beyond the planning stage and is translating into concrete and sustainable actions.
During the visit, the delegations explored emblematic sites in eSwatini, such as the Summerfield Botanical Gardens, Mantenga Cultural Village and Swazi Candles, as well as places of historical and cultural importance, such as the Old Stone Church Museum in Manzini and the statue of King Gwamile in Mbabane. These visits provided a comprehensive overview of eSwatini's cultural and natural riches and served as inspiration for Mozambican tour operators, reinforcing the exchange of experiences and practices among the three countries.
The next TRILAND meeting is scheduled to take place in Mozambique, from 2 to 4 December this year, with Maputo province as host. This event will include visits to places of interest, and meetings with local tour operators are planned. The aim of this phase is to promote Mozambique's tourism potential, consolidate the country as an attractive and welcoming destination and strengthen the ties of cooperation among the three countries.
TRILAND has proved to be a platform of great potential for the countries involved. By promoting collaborative actions and the sharing of experiences, the initiative contributes to the creation of a unified and competitive image of the three destinations. The project goes beyond mere tourism promotion, acting as a catalyst for economic growth and for strengthening cultural and professional relations. Richard Baulene, Director-General of INATUR, said that the expectation is for TRILAND to inspire a significant increase in tourist numbers in Mozambique and the other partner countries, taking advantage of the resulting synergies for the sustainable development of the sector.
The cooperation between Mozambique, South Africa and eSwatini under TRILAND symbolises a joint effort to position the three countries as destinations offering stunning landscapes and authentic cultural experiences, fostering the growth and sustainability of tourism. With the next meeting on Mozambican soil, the expectation is that this initiative will continue to establish itself as a vital platform for the advancement of the regional tourism industry.
