BY PHUMZILE NDLOVU
EZULWINI – “For tourism to flourish in Eswatini, we need a multi-sectorial approach to tourism.”
These words were echoed by the Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Jane Mkhonta-Simelane, at the ‘Influencer Welcome Dinner,’ which was held at Summerfield’s Botanical Garden, hosted by Eswatini Air on Monday night.
The dinner was attended by different stakeholders and invited guests. It’s worth noting that also spotted at the event was former tourism CEO, who is now a senator, Linda Nxumalo.
Eswatini Air, in collaboration with the Eswatini Tourism Authority, welcomed six influencers from South Africa on Monday at the King Mswati III International Airport. The six influencers are TV producer, actress, and businesswoman Connie Ferguson, Nomusa Dhlomo, actress Jessica Nkosi, TV personality Rorisang Thandekiso, drama artist Mmatema Moremi, and Kabello Mohale. They will be in the kingdom for three nights and four days exploring the hidden wonders of the kingdom.
The minister, in her welcoming speech, went on to say, “We need a multi-sectorial approach to tourism, which means all sectors should come on board. We need transport industry in all sorts of forms, information, communication, and technology (ICT), and all other sectors. Those who will walk in our traits,” said Mkhonta-Simelane.
The tourism minister added, “We are tapping into the biggest intercontinental dream of an open-sky tourism that seeks to encourage inter-African tourism, which will have lots of flights land at the King Mswati III International Airport. We have a big airport; it needs to be filled with lots of flights,” shared the minister. She then warmly welcomed the six influencers.
The Eswatini Tourism Authority will take the six influencers on an excursion where the best of Eswatini will be on the itinerary. This experience is meant to encourage others to visit the country for relaxation.
