MBABANE – Barely three months after it was commissioned by His Majesty King Mswati III, the Ezulwini Palazzo International Convention Centre (ICC) is projected to generate between E50 million and E60 million annually, with nine conferences already secured.
This was revealed by Minister for Tourism and Environmental Affairs Jane Simelane during the Portfolio Committee debate on the ministry’s first quarter performance report for the 2026/27 financial year yesterday.
The minister said the revenue projections were based on feasibility studies and budget estimates prepared by the facility’s operator, although planning and operational processes were still being finalised.
“In terms of the ICC projections, the feasibility study and budget estimates from the operator indicate that the facility could generate between E50 million and E60 million per year. These are projections, as we are still finalising some processes,” Simelane said.
She mentioned, however, that the projected number of conferences could change, as organisers may make their own decisions based on their availability of funds or temptations from better offers.
She encouraged emaSwati and all stakeholders to work together in promoting Eswatini as a preferred tourism and conference destination, saying the success of the ICC would depend on a collective effort to market the country internationally.
During the debate, Members of Parliament (MPs) welcomed the progress made at the facility but urged the ministry to continue strengthening the tourism sector while addressing internal challenges within the ministry.
Mafutseni MP Sabelo Mtetwa called for stronger collaboration between government and industry stakeholders to market Eswatini’s tourism attractions more aggressively.
He also urged the ministry to tighten the vetting of applicants seeking online gambling licences to ensure only credible operators are allowed into the market.
Mtetwa further argued that gambling companies should contribute more to community development, including supporting football and other social initiatives, given the significant revenue they generate from emaSwati. Nhlambeni MP Manzi Zwane sought clarity on whether members of the public would be allowed to tour the ICC, saying many emaSwati would like the opportunity to visit the landmark facility given the substantial public investment made in its construction.
He also requested information on employment opportunities created by the project and asked the ministry to provide an update on the future of the government-owned Nhlangano Casino.
Hhukwini MP Alec Lushaba questioned the availability of accommodation near the convention centre, noting that its success would depend not only on conference facilities but also on adequate hotel capacity to accommodate international delegates.
Lobamba MP Michael Masilela also sought assurances on the number of conferences expected to be hosted at the facility in the coming years.
Responding to concerns about gambling regulation, Simelane said all applicants undergo a thorough vetting process before licences are issued. “When establishments apply for gambling licences, we submit the details of their partners to the police for vetting. It is only after the police have completed that process and granted their approval that we issue a licence,” she explained.
The minister also addressed questions surrounding accommodation for conference delegates, saying government was confident that hotel capacity would improve significantly in the near future.
She said discussions over the reopening of the former Royal Swazi Sun Hotel were at an advanced stage, while international hotel brand Hilton had recently visited the country as part of ongoing investment discussions.
In addition, Simelane said local investors had also expressed interest in developing hotels and villas along the Mbabane-Manzini-Malkerns corridor to support the anticipated growth in conference tourism.
The minister also provided an update on the gambling licence dispute involving The George Hotel, saying the matter had been resolved after court proceedings and a related appeal to the ministry were both withdrawn.
On public access to the ICC, Simelane said Parliament and other organised groups wishing to tour the facility should formally communicate with the ministry so that appropriate arrangements could be made.
The debate also revisited concerns over leadership changes within the ministry, following recent controversy surrounding the appointment of a director to the position of principal secretary (PS) instead of the serving under secretary (US).
The issue had previously attracted criticism from MPs, who expressed concern that the appointment had caused division within the ministry.
Without directly commenting on the internal dispute, Simelane said there had been an unfortunate tendency to focus only on negative developments within the ministry while overlooking its achievements.
She specifically criticised sections of the media for concentrating on the leadership matter rather than reporting on milestones such as the commissioning of the ICC and other tourism development initiatives.
Addressing the appointment process, the minister said her role was limited to making recommendations to the Civil Service Commission (CSC), adding that both the under secretary and the appointed director were on the same salary grade.
“My responsibility is to make recommendations to the Civil Service Commission. The under secretary had her opportunity to act, and when that period ended, I recommended another officer who was on the same grade. It is also about building institutional capacity,” Simelane said.
She maintained that the ministry remained focused on delivering its mandate despite the attention surrounding the appointment process and urged stakeholders to support efforts aimed at growing the tourism sector and positioning Eswatini as a leading destination for international conferences and investment.
