MBABANE - The Kingdom of Eswatini has been placed in the international spotlight.
This is after receiving an official nomination from the Pan Africa Tourism Board to take part in the Canada Legacy Honours Awards 2026.
The awards ceremony is scheduled for July 3, 2026 in Brampton, Ontario, Canada. The nomination recognises Eswatini’s contribution to African tourism, with particular emphasis on its cultural heritage, authentic visitor experiences, environmental conservation and efforts to promote African identity abroad.
Three ambassadors Nominated
As part of the country’s submission, three tourism leaders have been put forward for their work in advancing the sector and raising Eswatini’s profile internationally.
Xolile Magagula – Sibebe Resort
Magagula has been credited with strengthening Eswatini’s hospitality offering through Sibebe Resort, one of the kingdom’s most recognisable destinations. According to the nomination, her focus on service excellence, destination development and highlighting the country’s natural assets has helped draw both domestic and international visitors, while supporting sustainable tourism growth.
Jiggs Thorne – Founder, House On Fire, MTN Bushfire & Luju Festival
A performance poet, artist and festival director, Thorne is recognised for building platforms for African arts and culture. He founded House On Fire and is the driving force behind the internationally acclaimed MTN Bushfire Festival, the Standard Bank Luju Food & Lifestyle Festival and the arts mobility initiative CollaboNation. As a founding member of IGODA, the Southern African Music Festivals Circuit, Thorne has also shaped the region’s cultural landscape and helped position Eswatini as a leading cultural tourism destination.
Thabile Maripe – Tourism Promoter and Digital Destination Ambassador
Maripe has emerged as a prominent advocate for Eswatini through digital storytelling and destination marketing. Her campaigns have introduced thousands of local and international travellers to the kingdom’s landscapes, culture, adventure offerings and hospitality, establishing her as an influential voice for the industry’s growth.
The Canada Legacy Honours Awards convene global tourism boards, hospitality leaders, investors, cultural ambassadors and other stakeholders to acknowledge excellence, innovation, cultural preservation and sustainable tourism development. Officials noted that the nomination affirms Eswatini’s progress, while also opening avenues for investment and international partnerships. The Pan Africa Tourism Board cited the kingdom’s vibrant cultural calendar, natural environment and continued commitment to heritage preservation as key factors behind the recognition.
Phetsile Masilela, Chairperson of the Pan African Tourism Board’s Eswatini Chapter, described the nomination as a landmark moment.
“This nomination is a significant milestone for Eswatini and a testament to the work being undertaken by our tourism leaders, entrepreneurs, creatives and destination ambassadors,” Masilela said. “We are proud to see our country recognised on a global platform for preserving cultural heritage, promoting sustainable tourism and showcasing the authentic beauty of Eswatini. We congratulate our three national nominees, whose dedication continues to elevate the kingdom’s tourism brand internationally,” she added.
The minister for Tourism and Environmental Affairs also welcomed the development, stating that it reflected the government’s strategic focus on sustainable tourism, conservation and community involvement.
“The nomination of the Kingdom of Eswatini for the Canada Legacy Honours Awards 2026 is a great honour for our nation,” the minister said. The minister further stated that it demonstrates that their investment in sustainable tourism, cultural preservation, environmental conservation and community participation is receiving international recognition. With its participation in the awards, Eswatini is seeking to reinforce its reputation as a destination that combines culture, conservation, community tourism and major events, as it pursues a stronger position on both the African continent and the global stage.
Jiggs Thorne.