Mbabane: United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has designated 2020 as the Year of Tourism and Rural Development. Tourism play an important role in diversifying the rural economy and its expanding in rural areas contributes to the sustainability of the population and the economy of these areas and provides the basis for achieving sustainable rural development.
The theme for this year on tourism has proved and come to realization as Sibebe resort has employed about 80 percent of staff all from the surroundings community.
Nestled adjacent to one of southern Africa’s most impressive geological features, the majestic Sibebe Rock, Sibebe Resort is the first Swazi proudly owned holiday destination. The Resort’s interest centers on ecotourism and cultural heritage and empowering the local communities to conserve nature and ecological resources simultaneously.
This Year UNTWO aims to promote the potential of tourism to create jobs and opportunities. Around the world, rural communities with significant tourism activity have been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic
Speaking to this publication Larry Mhlanga said as Sibebe they support the Dlangeni and Ngweni communities by Recruit and train local staff which by now about 80 percent of staff is from the local community. Sibebe Resort consists of 20 Chalets which translates to 45 rooms. All rooms have an African touch and a 5 star feel.
He said Sibebe is actively involved in local community organizations like tourism and heritage. They sell and promote the work of local artists and craftspeople, Buy locally produced foods, and they also take part in any local initiatives that benefit the community.
Around the world, tourism is a lifeline for rural communities, providing jobs, supporting rural businesses and protecting natural and cultural heritage. World Tourism Day 2020 emphasized the role the sector will play in helping rural areas recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and build for the future.
Benefits
As articulated by the Minister of tourism during the tourism day at Wendy’s Lodge Rural tourism allows the creation of a replacement source of income in the non-agricultural sector for rural dwellers. The added income from rural tourism can contribute to the revival of lost folk art and handicrafts.
This Year is an opportunity to promote the potential of tourism to create jobs and opportunities. Around the world, rural communities with significant tourism activity have been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. …
It can also generate benefits of improved local access and infrastructure and community social facilities and services, as well as enhancing entrepreneurial and skills levels of local residents. It gains the support of local communities for tourism because they are participating in this sector and benefiting from it.
Community-based tourism is a type of tourism where local communities invite tourists into their communities, giving them insight into their culture and daily lives. It is a form of sustainable tourism that allows travelers to connect closely to the local community they visit.
Community Tourism
Eswatini (Swaziland) has a rich and historic culture and provides a chance to immerse yourself in the real culture of Africa in a safe and friendly environment. The community projects featured below are some of the best examples of community based tourism in Southern Africa and are a fantastic chance to experience the real Eswatini.
All of the community projects featured, whilst the product of seed funds from the European Commission and Eswatini Government, are maintained by community members. Communities are empowered through the development process to assume responsibility for sustainability.
Eswatini is proud of its many community projects that give visitors to the country an opportunity to have unique experiences such as exploring the peoples and customs of the bushveld and savannah or wondering at the great rock buttresses of the Sibebe and the Lubombo Mountains, among much, much more.
