BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
EZULWINI – The Kingdom of Eswatini has taken a significant step towards strengthening the competitiveness of its tourism sector following the official launch of the National Accommodation Grading System, a landmark initiative designed to enhance service quality, boost visitor confidence and position the country as a leading tourism destination in the region.
The launch, held at Happy Valley Hotel and Casino on June 19, 2026, was officiated by the Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Hon. Jane Mkhonta-Simelane, who described the initiative as a transformative milestone for the country’s hospitality industry and broader economic growth agenda.
Addressing tourism stakeholders, hospitality operators, development partners and industry leaders, the Minister said the grading system represents more than a regulatory exercise, but a strategic commitment to quality, transparency and international competitiveness.
“Today, we are not simply launching a programme; we are establishing a new covenant of quality, transparency and global competitiveness for our beautiful nation,” said Mkhonta-Simelane.
She noted that the initiative is being implemented under the Grading of Accommodation Establishments Regulations of 2012, enacted through Section 27 of the Eswatini Tourism Authority Act of 2001, providing a legal framework that will ensure consistent standards across accommodation establishments nationwide.
The Minister explained that the grading programme is expected to strengthen visitor confidence by providing local and international travellers with a reliable and verified benchmark when selecting accommodation facilities in Eswatini.
She further highlighted that the system will improve the country’s competitiveness within regional tourism markets by aligning local hospitality standards with internationally recognised benchmarks.
As part of the launch, the Ministry and the Eswatini Tourism Authority (ETA) officially introduced the National Grading Committee, a panel of industry experts tasked with safeguarding the integrity, fairness and credibility of the grading process.
In addition, certificates of compliance were awarded to newly trained ETA Facility Grading Assessors who will be responsible for evaluating establishments against prescribed standards.
The Minister urged the assessors to execute their responsibilities with professionalism and diligence, emphasizing that they would play a crucial role in safeguarding the reputation of Eswatini’s tourism and hospitality sector.
The event also celebrated pioneering establishments that have embraced the grading initiative. Happy Valley Hotel and Casino received an official grading plaque in recognition of its commitment to service excellence and adherence to hospitality standards.
The Minister commended the hotel’s management and staff for leading by example and demonstrating the level of quality expected across the industry.
The launch further coincided with the unveiling of the Ezulwini Palazzo, a development that reflects the growing sophistication and investment taking place within Eswatini’s hospitality landscape.
Mkhonta-Simelane said the successful grading of premier establishments serves as a practical demonstration that world-class hospitality standards are achievable within the Kingdom.
She encouraged more accommodation providers, including community-based establishments and small tourism enterprises, to participate in the grading process as a pathway towards growth, improved service delivery and access to premium tourism markets.
The Minister noted that the grading system will contribute towards the country’s target of attracting two million tourists by 2027 by ensuring visitors enjoy high-quality experiences that encourage repeat visits and positive destination referrals.
She further explained that the initiative would support fair pricing structures within the industry, enabling operators to align rates with recognised service standards while providing travellers with clear expectations regarding the quality of accommodation offered.
“When we elevate the standard of our accommodation, Eswatini wins as a country. We convert first-time visitors into lifelong ambassadors for the Kingdom,” she said.
The Minister also praised the Eswatini Tourism Authority for successfully bringing the grading regulations into active implementation and acknowledged the private sector for embracing reforms aimed at enhancing the country’s tourism offering.
She called on all industry players to renew their commitment to excellence and work collectively towards positioning Eswatini as a destination renowned not only for its rich culture, heritage and natural beauty, but also for exceptional hospitality standards.
The launch of the National Accommodation Grading System is expected to play a pivotal role in strengthening the quality of tourism services, enhancing destination credibility and unlocking new opportunities for growth within one of Eswatini’s key economic sectors.
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