BY SIFISO NHLABATSI
EZULWINI – Palazzo Hospitality Services says it wants to transform the Ezulwini Palazzo and International Convention Centre (ICC) into a major destination for international visitors, prestigious conferences, entertainment and luxury hospitality, positioning Eswatini as a competitive player in the global events and tourism industry.
The company’s ambition is to develop the facility beyond a conventional hotel and conference venue into a destination that attracts international organisations, global business leaders and world-class events to the Kingdom.
Speaking on behalf of the Owner and Chief Executive Officer of Palazzo Hospitality Services during the signing of the Hotel Management Agreement on Friday, Saif Darcoish Mustafa Yacoub said the company’s vision had always extended beyond establishing a luxury hotel or operating a convention centre.
“Our vision was much bigger. We wanted to create a destination. A destination that would attract international visitors, global organisations, prestigious conferences, and world-class events to the beautiful Kingdom of Eswatini,” he said.
Yacoub said the company believed this ambition was beginning to materialise, following the successful hosting of major national and international gatherings since the facility opened in April this year.
He said the events had demonstrated the potential of the Palazzo and ICC to accommodate prominent engagements while providing a platform for Eswatini to attract visitors from different parts of the world.
However, the company intends to expand its offering beyond conferences and corporate functions.
“Our ambition goes beyond conferences and events. We want Ezulwini Palazzo and the ICC to become a vibrant destination for luxury hospitality, entertainment, culture, fine dining, and unforgettable experiences throughout the year,” Yacoub said.
He explained that the development was expected to contribute to Eswatini’s broader economic ambitions by attracting international investment and tourism, supporting local businesses and creating employment opportunities.
The company also intends to prioritise skills development by providing opportunities for emaSwati to acquire expertise in the hospitality industry.
Yacoub said the success of the project should not be measured only by the number or scale of events hosted at the facility, but also by the opportunities created for the country and its people.
“Because we believe that the true success of this project will not only be measured by the events we host, but by the opportunities we create for this country and its people,” he said.
The company acknowledged that achieving its objectives would require sustained cooperation with government, relevant ministries, business partners and local communities.
Yacoub said Palazzo Hospitality Services remained committed to working with these stakeholders to ensure that the destination achieved its potential.
He also commended the company’s employees for their dedication, professionalism and teamwork, saying their contribution had helped demonstrate what could be achieved through a shared commitment.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Ezulwini Palazzo Board of Directors, Mbuso Simelane, said the appointed operator had plans to transform the facility into a leading luxury destination in the sub-region, Africa and the world.
Simelane expressed confidence in Palazzo Hospitality Services, noting that the company was prepared to share its hospitality expertise with local workers while learning from Eswatini’s culture and traditions.
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