The tourism market in the province contributes to the local economy and plays an important role in the national economy as Mpumalanga is a highly attractive tourist destination and contributes significantly to the fastest growing segment of tourism in South Africa, which is ecotourism.

Tourism attractions in the province are numerous and varied, ranging from game viewing (including the "big five") in more than 70 game parks to spectacular natural wonders created by the gigantic escarpment of the Drakensberg mountains. Apart from the vast tracts of man-made commercial forests, the province also boasts pristine bushveld and wilderness areas and offers safari lodges, farm holidays, hunting safaris, impressive caves with large dripstone formations, a rich cultural heritage, traditional African tribal art and craftwork and contemporary art work (MII, 2003). Mpumalanga has four of its tourist attractions ranked on the top 20 list of tourist attractions in South Africa, these being the Kruger National Park, the Blyde River Canyon, Pilgrim's Rest and private game reserves (South Africa Yearbook, 2001/02).

The tourism potential for the province is currently fairly well developed, but the rapid growth in tourism expected in the lowveld in particular, requires large-scale investment in tourism facilities. The recent establishment of casinos in Nelspruit, Witbank and Secunda will further enhance the tourism industry, while several tourist investment opportunities still exist to satisfy the need and demand for accommodation, tourist attractions and entertainment facilities as well as the development of rural, adventure and agricultural  tourism (MII, 2003).

The potential impacts of tourism on the environment should not not be underestimated as the increase in tourism will result in increasing impacts on the natural environment. Increases in visitors to an area is likely to result in increased pressure on existing tourism venues as well as the associated increase in demand on existing  services.