A festive season and Christmas message from Hon. Jane Mkhonta-Simelane, The Honourable Minister for Tourism & Environmental Affairs:
As the festive season descends upon us, painting the land in shades of joy and anticipation, I extend my heartfelt greetings to the entire Eswatini Tourism family – our dedicated hoteliers, lodge owners, tour operators, guides, artisans and everyone who contributes their passion and talent to making our kingdom a world-renowned and preferred and the Most-Tourist-Friendly country in Africa as selected by The Travel in 2023.
As we gather with loved ones and celebrate the holidays, let us also remember the vital role tourism plays in Eswatini. It is a source of livelihood for countless individuals, a catalyst for economic growth and a powerful tool for connecting our nation with the world. In 2022, the Eswatini tourism sector contributed E623 million to the country’s GDP; an increase of 19.4% from 2021. In terms of jobs, the sector accounted for 30.2% of total direct employment, with over 8,000 direct employment in the accommodation sector.
It is important that we thank you, MaSwati Lamahle, for displaying unwavering interest and admirable enthusiasm in your uptake of the country’s tourism offerings. We have seen you normalising the culture of local travel by exploring the accommodation options, outdoor activities and dining experiences available in Eswatini. It is truly encouraging and pleasing to see EmaSwati recognise and embrace themselves as tourists in their own country.
The Eswatini Government’s National Development Plan 2023 to 2028 prescribes that Eswatini will work with the private sector to create partnerships and an integrated logistics, which coupled with an efficient trade facilitation can further boost regional and domestic trade. True to this ideal, Eswatini partnered with Mozambique, and Mpumalanga Province in South Africa to form the Triland at Africa’s Travel Indaba in May 2009. The Triland responds aptly and directly to this new development plan by enabling joint investment opportunities, product, infrastructural and marketing initiatives of the Eswatini, Mpumalanga and Mozambique route.
As a Kingdom, we are working towards generating E2 billion in tourism receipts and attracting 2 million arrivals by 2027 because we are confident in our products and in the potential that our relationship with Mpumalanga and Mozambique has to bear fruit. Additionally, the Triland agreement and activities such as this year’s Eswatini Familiarisation Tour will help contribute towards our goal to increase the length of stay in Eswatini from 1.3 nights to 5 nights.
This Christmas, let us celebrate the spirit of giving, not just through gifts and feasts, but also through acts of kindness and generosity towards our fellow tourism workers and towards the communities that welcome visitors with open arms.
In light of the World Tourism Day theme for 2024 which delved on “Tourism and World Peace”, tourism, as we all know, is a powerful force for good. It can foster understanding, bridge cultural divides and promote economic prosperity. But perhaps most importantly, it can serve as a catalyst for peace. When people from different backgrounds come together to experience the beauty of our world, they are more likely to develop a sense of empathy and respect for one another. Eswatini’s commitment to peace is deeply rooted in our culture and traditions. We believe that every living being, human and animal alike, has a right to live in harmony with nature. Our lush landscapes, from the majestic mountains to the pristine valleys, are a testament to this belief.
Let us also remember the importance of sustainability, ensuring that our beautiful landscapes and rich culture are preserved for future generations. Through this ideal, let us continue to promote responsible travel. This means encouraging tourists to travel in a way that is respectful of the environment and local communities. We plead with our tourists to not litter, stay in eco-friendly accommodation environments and minimise waste.
With the highlight of the joy and celebrations that come with the festive season, it is also imperative to exercise a sense of responsibility. This essentially speaks to road safety. Responsible tourism translates to the element of road safety. Road safety is key for the tourism industry. When tourists feel safe traveling on our roads, they are more likely to visit our beautiful Kingdom and recommend it to others. A safe road environment is also important for businesses that rely on tourism, such as arts and crafts entrepreneurs, small business owners, hotels, lodges and even tour operators.
As we enter the New Year, let us approach it with renewed optimism and a spirit of collaboration. Let us work together to further develop our tourism offerings, to promote the unique beauty of The Kingdom of Eswatini and to welcome visitors with even greater warmth and hospitality.
From the rolling hills of Ezulwini to the vibrant streets of Manzini, from the mystical rock paintings of Malolotja to the breathtaking waterfalls of Mlilwane, Eswatini has a story to tell, and each of you plays a part in sharing it with the world.
May your festive season be filled with laughter, love and the warmth of shared experiences. May the New Year bring renewed hope, prosperity and success to the Kingdom of Eswatini.
On behalf of the Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Affairs, I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Hon. Jane Mkhonta-Simelane
The Honourable Minister for Tourism & Environmental Affairs
