BY MBONO MDLULI
The Eswatini team is proudly representing the Kingdom at Meetings Africa 2025, in South Africa.
Meeting Africa 2025 started on February 24 to 26, 2025 and is currently taking place at Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa. The Eswatini Tourism team is stationed at Stand E11, where they are engaging with global industry leaders to promote Eswatini as a premier Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Events (MICE) destination.
Royal Villas Hotel: Growth Through Meetings Africa
Thandeka Dlamini from The Royal Villas Hotel highlighted the value of participating in Meetings Africa over the years, emphasising the growth opportunities the event has provided. She noted that their key focus is attracting MICE business travellers who specifically seek Eswatini for conferences, incentives, and corporate events.
Dlamini expressed her appreciation for the increasing number and quality of buyers attending the event. “What’s great is that many of them have already researched Eswatini and can distinguish it from South Africa. They recognise that we offer a unique experience, particularly through our rich cultural heritage. That’s why we are actively promoting key cultural festivals such as the Buganu Festival, Umhlanga, and Incwala,” Dlamini said.
She also shared her enthusiasm for the productive engagements she has had at the event. “I have secured numerous meetings, with many attendees accepting my requests, while others have approached me to learn more about Eswatini and The Royal Villas. Additionally, I have confirmed several site inspections with buyers who want to experience our facilities firsthand before presenting them to their clients,” she shared.
Dlamini further extended her gratitude to the Republic of South Africa for providing a platform that allows Eswatini businesses to market their establishments effectively.
Hilton Garden Inn: Strengthening Eswatini’s Position as a MICE Destination
Khetsiwe Mhlongo from Hilton Garden Inn emphasised their mission to position Eswatini as a preferred destination through strategic partnerships with the Eswatini Tourism Authority (ETA).
“We leverage this platform to network with key industry players and promote our packages at competitive rates to attract more bookings. Our goal is to encourage visitors to stay in Eswatini for at least three nights by offering diverse excursions, which directly contribute to our local economy,” Mhlongo said.
Happy Valley Hotel: Building Relationships for Tourism Growth
Bongekile Fakudze from Happy Valley Hotel described Meetings Africa as an essential platform for showcasing Eswatini’s rich and diverse tourism offerings.
“We value the opportunity to engage with global industry leaders, allowing us to network, exchange knowledge, and gain insights that enhance our services. This year’s event reinforced a key lesson: ‘Relationships are the new world currency.’ Building strong connections and fostering collaboration remain essential for growth in the hospitality and tourism sector,” Fakudze said.
With a strong presence at Meetings Africa 2024, Eswatini’s hospitality sector is demonstrating its commitment to positioning the country as a top-tier MICE tourism destination. The engagement with international buyers and industry leaders underscores the Kingdom’s dedication to expanding its tourism sector, fostering business opportunities, and driving economic growth.
