Nelspruit — Mozambique's booming tourism sector attempted to consolidate its growing market in South Africa this week by opening a direct booking office in the Mpumalanga capital Nelspruit.

The new booking office gives South African tourists and tour operators direct access to the hundreds of tourism establishments in Mozambique, without having to go through intermediary booking agents in the country.

The office, a joint venture with the Lowveld Tourism association in Mpumalanga, offers bookings for accommodation ranging from reed huts on isolated beaches, to five star hotels and island lodges.

"Maputo is only a two-hour drive from Nelspruit and, its fast becoming very popular with both South Africans and Europeans who all love its unspoiled tropical beaches, rich culture and Mediterranean architecture," said Lowveld Tourism director, Ettiene Garnett-Bennett.

Bookings can be made on 013) 755-1988 contact nelspruit@soft.co.za.