BY MBONO MDLULI
EZULWINI – Eswatini Tourism Authority (ETA) Chief Executive Officer Vusie N. Dlamini has reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to making the Kingdom Africa’s preferred destination of choice, stressing the sector’s central role in creating jobs, attracting investment, and empowering communities.
Speaking on August 21, 2025 during the Tourism Nkwe Conference 2025 at Sharma House in Ezulwini yesterday, Dlamini expressed gratitude to the Government for prioritising tourism as a key driver of economic transformation. The event was attended by Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini, Cabinet Ministers, international delegates, regional tourism leaders, and industry players.
On behalf of ETA, Dlamini thanked His Majesty’s Government for its consistent support in creating an enabling policy environment that encourages sustainable growth of the sector. “Our mandate is clear,” he said. “We must present Eswatini as a warm, safe, and unforgettable experience for our tourists, while working with stakeholders to unlock opportunities for communities, young people, businesses, and visitors alike.”
He explained that the Nkwe Conference was not just a gathering, but an initiative tied directly to Eswatini’s national development agenda and ETA’s strategic vision. He said it was crucial to align the Authority’s programmes with the Government’s Plan of Action for Tourism, led by the Prime Minister, to maximise Eswatini’s unique advantages.
“We stand at a pivotal moment,” Dlamini said. “To fully capitalise on our cultural heritage, landscapes, and the warm hospitality of our people, we must align our strategies to both national aspirations and global tourism standards.”
The ETA CEO added that the Authority’s vision was not only about attracting international visitors but also about ensuring that tourism benefits are widely shared. He highlighted ETA’s commitment to community-based tourism, youth involvement, and initiatives that would guarantee sustainable growth for future generations.
In keeping with His Majesty King Mswati III’s “Nkwe” call, Dlamini pledged that the Tourism Authority would continue building a sector where investment creates value and where communities thrive. “With His Excellency’s leadership guiding us, we commit to a future where every experience in Eswatini is meaningful, every investment yields results, and every community thrives because tourism is done well and done for all,” he said.
The Tourism Nkwe Conference 2025 brought together delegates from Botswana, Côte d’Ivoire and South Africa, alongside captains of industry, government officials and hospitality players. The gathering was described as a turning point in positioning Eswatini more prominently on the global tourism map, with industry stakeholders agreeing that the Kingdom has all the ingredients to become a destination of choice in Africa.
