MBOMBELA – The tourism authorities behind the Triland Route, the cross-border tourism corridor linking Mpumalanga, the Kingdom of Eswatini and Mozambique, have sought to reassure travellers that the three destinations remain safe, open and ready to welcome visitors despite growing concern over anti-migrant protests in parts of South Africa.
In a joint statement released on Monday, the Triland Tourism Partners acknowledged the public anxiety created by recent demonstrations but stressed that tourism across the region continues to operate normally.
The partners said they recognised “public concern arising from recent protests and related demonstrations reported in parts of South Africa”, but drew a clear distinction between the constitutional right to protest and actions that endanger visitors or foreign nationals.
“While peaceful protests are a constitutional right in South Africa, the Triland partners firmly reject intimidation, violence, xenophobia and criminality directed at visitors, residents or businesses,” the statement said.
“Our partnership is grounded in hospitality, respect, cultural exchange and regional cooperation, and these values continue to guide our collective response.”
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The statement comes amid a tense period in South Africa’s migration debate. Since the beginning of 2026, the anti-immigration movement March and March has organised a series of demonstrations targeting undocumented foreign nationals, culminating in an informal 30 June deadline calling on migrants to leave the country.
Human rights organisations have reported violent incidents linked to the protests, while thousands of migrants, many of them from Malawi and Zimbabwe, have reportedly been displaced from parts of KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng in recent weeks.
The unrest has also raised concerns beyond South Africa’s borders. Regional analysts have warned that sustained anti-immigrant mobilisation could weaken confidence in tourism, trade and regional cooperation, prompting neighbouring governments and tourism authorities to closely monitor developments.
Against that backdrop, the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA), the Eswatini Tourism Authority (ETA) and Mozambique’s National Tourism Institute (INATUR) issued their joint reassurance.
The three organisations formalised their partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding signed during Africa’s Travel Indaba in 2022, before relaunching the initiative with renewed momentum in 2024.
Working with authorities
The Triland partners said they remain in close contact with national, provincial and local government departments, border management agencies, tourism operators and law enforcement to monitor the situation and support uninterrupted travel across the region.
According to the statement, key tourism attractions, accommodation establishments, nature reserves, border posts and major tourism routes throughout the Triland corridor remain fully operational.
“Based on current assessments, key tourism attractions, accommodation establishments, nature reserves, border posts and tourism routes across the Triland region remain operational, with stakeholders continuing to share updates as needed.”
Travellers and tour operators have been encouraged to remain in contact with their travel providers, monitor official tourism and border information channels, and allow extra travel time when crossing international borders.
The advice is consistent with normal travel planning along the Triland Route, which promotes seamless movement between the three countries. One of its key advantages is the 24-hour border crossing between Eswatini and Mozambique, designed to make regional travel quicker and more convenient.
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Since its revival, the Triland Route has been marketed as a single multi-country tourism experience, combining Mpumalanga’s wildlife and Kruger National Park attractions with Eswatini’s rich cultural heritage, festivals and conservation areas, as well as Mozambique’s Indian Ocean coastline, marine attractions and vibrant cities.
The partners said that vision remains unchanged despite current regional challenges.
“From Mpumalanga’s wildlife and scenic landscapes to Eswatini’s culture, heritage and adventure experiences, and Mozambique’s coastline, marine attractions and vibrant communities, the Triland Route continues to offer exceptional value and diversity to travellers from around the world.”
The statement concluded with a call for dialogue, stability and regional cooperation.
“We call on all stakeholders to promote constructive dialogue, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence, recognising that visitor confidence, community wellbeing and tourism livelihoods across the region depend on stability and cooperation.”
The partners added that they remain united in promoting “one region, three destinations and endless experiences.”
