BY SIFISO NHLABATSI
EZULWINI – The Ezulwini Palazzo and International Convention Centre (ICC) has received a combined 50 000 visitors since opening in April this year, with the Government saying the turnout demonstrates that the facility is fully operational and capable of hosting major national and international events.
Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs Jane Mkhonta-Simelane disclosed the figure during the signing of the Hotel Management Agreement between the Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini and Palazzo Hospitality Services on Friday.
She said the facility had hosted a range of high-profile gatherings over the past six months, demonstrating its capacity to accommodate events with different operational requirements.
Among the events were celebrations marking His Majesty King Mswati III’s Ruby Jubilee, themed 40/58, engagements of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), the 50th anniversary of YKK’s operations in Eswatini and the African Union’s inaugural Africa Seed Summit, held in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture.
The venue also hosted the African Union’s PACTED Conference and events organised through the Ministry of Education, as well as the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa’s (COMESA) Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Conference.
“These events, and more, have been able to prove that the Convention Centre is fully operational. These have seen a combined 50 000 visitors,” Mkhonta-Simelane said.
She said the gatherings had been delivered with attention to detail and had demonstrated that Eswatini possessed the infrastructure and hospitality capabilities required to receive international delegations.
The visitor figure provides an early indication of the facility’s activity since its opening, as the Government seeks to strengthen the country’s position in the international conference and events market.
The Minister said the Government intended to present the ICC to the international community as a destination for high-level meetings, global institutions, exhibitions and other major gatherings.
She described the facility as an opportunity to expand the benefits of tourism beyond traditional attractions, with conferences bringing business and visitors into the country.
According to Mkhonta-Simelane, the expected benefits include opportunities for tourism businesses, small and medium enterprises, farmers, artisans and young people seeking employment and enterprise opportunities.
She said the Government wanted the benefits generated by the facility to extend beyond its premises and reach different sectors of the economy.
The signing of the Hotel Management Agreement is intended to strengthen the management of the hotel and convention centre through a formal partnership with Palazzo Hospitality Services.
The agreement was signed as the Government seeks to ensure that the national asset is managed to international standards and contributes to the country’s long-term tourism ambitions.
Speaking at the same occasion, Ezulwini Palazzo Board Chairman Mbuso Simelane said the facility had already generated tens of millions of Emalangeni during the preceding three months.
He said the board expected a full return on the working capital invested within three years, based on the performance recorded.
Simelane said the facility should be regarded as an enterprise open for business rather than merely a monument, adding that its prosperity should create opportunities for emaSwati through employment, local procurement and the transfer of hospitality skills.
The board chairman also expressed confidence in Palazzo Hospitality Services, saying the operator was prepared to impart specialised skills to local workers while learning from Eswatini’s culture and traditions.
With 50 000 visitors recorded in its first six months, the Palazzo and ICC now face the task of sustaining activity, attracting further international events and ensuring that the economic benefits reach businesses and communities across the country.
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