BY NONCEDO SHABANGU
MBABANE – The Nsala Homestead in the Jubukweni community made history this week by welcoming its first large group of 23 international tourists from the United Kingdom, United States, Malta, Singapore and Slovenia, in a landmark event that highlights Eswatini’s growing success in community based tourism.
The tour, facilitated by Jenny Bowen from Sense Earth Holidays, introduced visitors to the authentic Swati way of life from traditional cooking and storytelling to tree planting and handicraft demonstrations. Among the visitors were visually impaired travellers, marking a milestone for inclusive and accessible tourism in the Kingdom.
Hosted by the Nsala family, the visitors were immersed in daily community activities, gaining hands-on experience in traditional living while the local residents shared their heritage and customs. The warm reception, cultural exchange and shared learning created a deeply personal connection between the community and the visitors.
According to Mfanfikile Nkambule, a member of the Jubukweni community, the visit has already created tangible benefits for local residents. “Economically, this is helping resource people like handicraft makers and traditional cooks in Jubukweni. It is improving livelihoods and boosting the handicrafts sector,” he said. Nkambule added that the initiative will also help preserve and promote Eswatini’s culture, encouraging people to take pride in their traditional attire, crafts and values.
The project aligns with the Eswatini Tourism Authority’s vision of empowering local communities through tourism, under the national theme “Community Tourism, Our Pride.” It reflects a growing global demand for authentic, sustainable travel experiences that directly benefit local people.
For the Jubukweni community, this inaugural visit is more than just a tourism milestone, it represents opportunity, pride, and cultural revival. The success of this visit is expected to pave the way for more community tours across Eswatini, positioning the Kingdom as a welcoming and culturally rich destination where visitors experience more than just sightseeing they become part of the story.
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Courtesy Pics)
