MBABANE – Tourism is fast becoming the major economic booster for Eswatini.
The arrival of a senior Hilton Group executive in Eswatini has raised hopes of expanded investment opportunities in the country’s tourism and hospitality sector, as global hotel brands continue to explore growth prospects in Southern Africa.
Hilton Senior Director, Focused Service Operations, Mahmoud Mokhtar, is in the country this week and attended a cocktail event at the Hilton Garden Inn Mbabane, where business leaders, government officials and tourism stakeholders gathered to discuss opportunities within the sector.
The event was attended by, among others, Minister of Tourism Jane Simelane, Central Bank of Eswatini Governor Dr Phil Mnisi, South African High Commissioner to Eswatini Mmaikeletse Dube, and senior executives from the Public Service Pension Fund (PSPF). Also in attendance were media representatives.
Mokhtar’s visit comes at a time when there has been growing interest around the future of the Royal Swazi Spa, which remains closed. Last Sunday, the Times Sunday reported on a story indicating that PSPF, which fully owns Hilton Garden Inn Mbabane, has shown interest in acquiring the property as part of its broader tourism investment strategy.
Introducing Mokhtar, PSPF Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Masotja Vilakati highlighted the fund’s investment in Hilton Garden Inn Mbabane, revealing that the property was fully owned by PSPF.
Vilakati said the hotel had gone through a journey of growth since its establishment.
“When we started, we did not make much money,” he said, adding that the situation had since changed significantly.
He said the hotel had become a preferred accommodation destination in the country and had gained visibility among travellers searching for accommodation in Eswatini.
Vilakati said Hilton Garden Inn Mbabane had developed into one of the country’s leading hospitality establishments, noting that online searches for accommodation in Eswatini often directed visitors to the hotel.
The PSPF CEO said the success of the hotel demonstrated the potential of strategic investments in the tourism sector.
PSPF Board Chairperson Sammy Dlamini said tourism remained a critical contributor to Eswatini’s economy, particularly through job creation and increased economic activity.
Dlamini said the country had increasingly attracted international attention, particularly following major developments in the hospitality and conference sector.
He pointed to the official opening of the Ezulwini Palazzo, which features a state-of-the-art international conference centre, as one of the developments helping to position Eswatini as a destination for international events.
“People are talking about Eswatini outside the country,” Dlamini said, adding that continued investment in tourism infrastructure would help unlock further economic opportunities.
Mokhtar said Hilton was interested in exploring additional opportunities in Eswatini and across the region.
He revealed that Hilton currently operated 27 hotels in Southern Africa, with plans to grow this number significantly.
He said the group expected to have 80 hotels in the region by 2029, based on contracts that had already been signed.
Mokhtar said the expansion reflected Hilton’s confidence in the potential of the Southern African hospitality market.
… Government commends Hilton Group’s confidence in Eswatini
MBABANE – The Minister for Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Minister Mkhonta-Simelane welcomed Mokhtar to Eswatini, saying the visit represented another step in strengthening the relationship between the country and one of the world’s recognised hospitality brands.
She said Government appreciated Hilton’s continued presence and confidence in Eswatini.
The Minister said the country remained committed to positioning tourism as a key pillar of economic growth, job creation and diversification.
“Eswatini is blessed with breath-taking natural beauty, authentic cultural heritage, warm hospitality and a peaceful investment environment,” she said.
She added that the country’s strategic location within Southern Africa created opportunities for growth in leisure, business and eco-tourism.
Simelane said global brands such as Hilton had an important role to play in unlocking the country’s tourism potential through international expertise, high service standards and global networks.
She also highlighted Hilton’s focus on responsible and sustainable tourism, saying such efforts aligned with Eswatini’s vision of creating an inclusive tourism sector.
The Minister said Government was committed to supporting investment through favourable policies, ease-of-doing-business reforms and collaboration among relevant ministries.
She also welcomed Hilton’s contribution towards skills development, employment creation, support for local suppliers and small businesses.
The event also provided an opportunity for stakeholders to showcase Eswatini’s growing hospitality ambitions and discuss how partnerships with international companies could strengthen the sector.
Mokhtar also experienced Hilton’s newly opened Pool Bar, which Simelane officially opened on May 8 this year.
The Minister said the facility had quickly become a popular social destination among residents and visitors and had already hosted major events, including a watch party for the opening FIFA World Cup match between South Africa and Mexico.
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