Ezulwini – Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini has called on Eswatini’s hospitality and tourism sector to secure more international partnerships to boost the country’s economic growth.
Speaking at the inaugural Tourism Nkwe Conference, organised by the Hospitality and Tourism Association of Eswatini (HOTEAS), Dlamini said the event aligns with government’s vision of “an Eswatini whose populace enjoys wealth and wellbeing.”
“Eswatini possesses great tourism potential from our unsurpassed culture and traditions to our distinct natural landscapes, rich historical heritage, diverse flora and fauna, and spectacular wildlife. We remain a great untold story that the world is dying to experience,” he said.
Dlamini described the conference theme, “Nkwe,” as “not just a buzz word. It is a call to action and an emphatic challenge from the Throne that even as we pursue our economic goals, we must not lose sight of the urgency with which we must address the country’s socio-economic challenges. This requires agility and ambition.”
He added, “His Majesty’s Government is cognisant of the important role that the hospitality industry and the private sector in general can play to ensure that we attain our shared goal of a developed country status. We must work together to grow our industry and fully leverage the vast opportunities for economic growth that lie in the different facets of tourism, be it cultural, religious, medicinal or eco-tourism.”
“The global tourism landscape is competitive and we must actively engage partners who see the immense value and untapped potential in Eswatini. We must foster collaboration with regional and international tourism organisations, learning from best practices and forging alliance that open new markets and opportunities,” Dlamini said.
He also called on industry players to focus on growth by “exploring innovative strategies for business development from small community-led initiatives to larger scale ventures. It means critically examining the country’s infrastructure, ensuring it meets and exceeds the expectations of modern travellers.”
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