TOURISM THRIVING IN ESWATINI - MINISTER

LUDZIDZINI – Tourism is thriving in Eswatini.

This observation was made by the Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Moses Vilakati. The minister said the country attracted a significant number of tourists from the festive holidays to date. He said most restaurants in the country and hotels reported full bookings, which was testament that tourism was thriving. Vilakati also stated that they had recorded an increase in tourists who were exploring the kingdom, which was a sign of progress.

Attractions

According to the minister, new tourist attractions had been established and would be opening soon. This, he said, was a sign that people in this sector were also taking advantage of the situation as they realised that it could boost the country’s economy. The minister stated that when analysing their statistics, they concluded that 2023 would be a successful year in terms of tourism. He urged emaSwati to have the spirit of ubuntu, especially when engaging with tourists in big events such as the Incwala Ceremony.

Tourists

“EmaSwati are known for their spirit of ubuntu, which most tourists appreciate and want to come back again,” said the minister. According to Vilakati, most tourists created job opportunities which benefitted everyone. He said his ministry was working on a theme to bring at least two million tourists in the country to boost the economy and employ more emaSwati. Vilakati said in order for this to be realised, there should be hard work and humbleness among emaSwati. The minister said film industries from other countries were also attracted by the beauty of the country, encouraging emaSwati in the sector to work with them.

Furthermore, he said they expected the convention centre to begin operating and accommodating those who wanted to access it for meetings. Vilakati said the Incwala Ceremony had been held for over 400 years now and gained momentum with time. The minister said the ceremony should be taken forward by generations to come. Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Eswatini Tourism Authority (ETA) Linda Nxumalo said the Incwala Main Day was among the events that attracted tourists to the country. Nxumalo said ETA had been observing domestic tourism regionally and internationally and they were excited to report that they were seeing tourists from all the continents attending the Incwala Ceremony. “We have seen tourists from the United States of America, Europe and Asia participating in the Incwala Main Day.” Nxumalo said this showed that their campaigns were not in vain.

Exploring

She thanked the public for also taking up the space in exploring their own places of interest in the country as they were filled up during the festive holidays. This, she said, had played a role in boosting the country’s economy. Nxumalo said compared to last year, the numbers were increasing in terms of arrivals or international markets at the various ports of entry. The growth, according to Nxumalo, was significant and at over 300 per cent. She encouraged emaSwati to continue supporting tourist attractions. Nxumalo said more competitions would be promoted as part of the campaign to visit Eswatini.

Business not so good - vendors

LUDZIDZINI – Business was very slow, according to most vendors who were interviewed. A vendor who identified herself as Make Mkhatshwa from Lwandle, stated that they were hoping as the day progressed that they would be able to make money. Make Mkhatshwa was selling chicken dust and drinks.

She said compared to the previous years before the COVID-19 pandemic, business was very good. She said their hope was being restored by the high numbers of libutfo. Phumzile Vilakati said what they received during the Incwala Main Day was better than nothing. Vilakati was selling imigaco for men known as tinkhonyane. She said business was very slow and she did not make any profit.

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