By Mbono Mdluli
Lobamba – His Majesty King Mswati III has called on the nation to maintain cleanliness across the country to enhance its appeal, particularly for tourists.
Delivering his Speech from the Throne on January 31, 2025, during the opening of the Second Session of the 12th Parliament, the King emphasized the importance of reducing waste pollution. He highlighted initiatives like Phatsa Sakho Nawe, which encourages the use of reusable bags, noting that this campaign has already led to a 30% decrease in plastic litter.
“Let us keep our country attractive by reducing waste pollution through initiatives like the Phatsa Sakho Nawe campaign and promoting reusable bags,” he stated.
Eswatini’s Growing Tourism Sector
The King also reflected on Eswatini’s achievements in the tourism sector, stating that the country has become an increasingly popular destination. He revealed that regional and international tourist visits had increased by 11%, with CNN Travel ranking Eswatini among the top 25 travel destinations for 2025.
“Previously, we were also ranked among the top five best travel destinations in the world by Lonely Planet Travel,” the King noted.
Eswatini Air Boosting Tourism
A major milestone in the country’s tourism industry was the 2023 launch of Eswatini Air, which has made the kingdom more accessible to international travelers. The King highlighted this achievement in Parliament, describing it as a significant step toward strengthening the nation’s connectivity.
He further noted that the African Airlines Association recognized Eswatini Air as the most improved airline in inter-Africa connectivity in 2023, reaffirming the strategic importance of relaunching the national airline.
“To achieve self-sufficiency, this entity requires support from both the government and the nation at large,” His Majesty urged.
