Ezulwini – Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs Jane Mkhonta-Simelane says tourism is a vehicle for both economic growth and citizen empowerment, a vision guided by His Majesty King Mswati III’s ‘Nkwe’ directive.
She was speaking at the inaugural Tourism Nkwe Conference on Thursday, outlining the ambitious plans to make tourism a cornerstone of inclusive national development.
This happens as tourism targets include attaining two million international arrivals and a contribution of E2 billion to GDP, guided by the Prime Minister Russell Dlamini’s Plan of Action for Tourism.
The minister also said the tourism ministry aligned its strategy with the National Agenda for Development, aiming to position Eswatini as a sustainable, inclusive, and competitive destination.
“The gains we are seeing are not by chance,” Mkhonta-Simelane said.
She said there were collaborations and the government, private sector, and communities’s efforts.
Visitor numbers are rebounding, regional marketing is yielding results, and cross-border partnerships are strengthening.
International recognition from platforms such as Lonely Planet, CNN, BBC, and Forbes has further highlighted Eswatini’s growing appeal.
The government has focused on regulatory reforms to attract investment, enhance regional connectivity, and promote community-based initiatives, particularly for women and youth.
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