BY SIFISO NHLABATSI
MBABANE– Government has reaffirmed its commitment to using tourism as a catalyst for economic growth, investment and job creation as it welcomed senior leaders from Hilton’s United Arab Emirates (UAE) operations to the Kingdom.
Speaking during a cocktail reception held at Hilton Garden Inn on evening in honour of the visiting Hilton UAE leadership, Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs Jane Mkhonta-Simelane said the visit marked another important milestone in strengthening Eswatini’s partnership with one of the world’s leading hospitality brands.
She extended a warm welcome to Hilton Senior Director of Focused Service Operations, Mahmoud Mokhtar, saying his return to the Kingdom demonstrated Hilton’s continued confidence in Eswatini as an investment destination.
“The presence of Hilton’s leadership is another important step in strengthening the relationship between Eswatini and one of the world’s most respected hospitality brands. We deeply appreciate Hilton’s continued presence and confidence in our country, and we look forward to expanding this partnership for our mutual benefit,” she said.
The minister highlighted Government’s determination to position tourism as a key pillar of economic development, saying the sector has significant potential to create employment, diversify the economy and attract both regional and international investment.
She said Eswatini’s natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, peaceful environment and strategic location within Southern Africa make it well-positioned to grow its leisure, business and eco-tourism markets.
Mkhonta-Simelane said Government believes global hospitality brands such as Hilton have an important role to play in unlocking the country’s tourism potential through world-class service standards, international marketing networks and continued investment in quality facilities.
She noted that the recently opened Hilton Pool Bar, officially launched in May this year, had already become a popular social destination for both locals and visitors.
According to the minister, the facility has quickly demonstrated the growing demand for quality hospitality experiences after successfully hosting a major watch party for the FIFA World Cup opening match between South Africa and Mexico.
She said the success of the facility reflects Hilton’s commitment to continuously enhancing the visitor experience while contributing to the growth of Eswatini’s tourism industry.
The minister further praised Hilton’s commitment to responsible tourism, saying its global focus on youth development, community empowerment, environmental conservation and support for local enterprises aligns with Government’s vision of building an inclusive and sustainable tourism sector.
She said Government is looking forward to expanding collaboration with Hilton in areas such as skills development, employment creation, support for local suppliers and the growth of small businesses that benefit from tourism value chains.
Mkhonta-Simelane assured investors that Government remains committed to creating an enabling business environment through favourable investment policies and ongoing ease-of-doing-business reforms.
She added that close collaboration across Government ministries will continue to support investors seeking opportunities within the tourism and hospitality sector.
The minister thanked Hilton’s UAE leadership for choosing Eswatini and expressed optimism that the visit would result in stronger partnerships and new investment opportunities that will contribute to the continued growth of the country’s tourism industry while creating lasting benefits for emaSwati.
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(Courtesy Pic)
