BY MBONO MDLULI
EZULWINI – Eswatini’s tourism sector has been given a strong vote of confidence as the Kingdom positions itself to become a regional and global destination of choice.
This was underscored on August 21, 2025 when Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini officially opened the inaugural Tourism Nkwe Conference 2025 at Sharma House, Ezulwini.
The conference, hosted under the theme of the government’s Nkwe Programme of Action, is part of Eswatini’s bold blueprint to achieve inclusive and exponential economic growth. The Prime Minister reiterated government’s target of attaining double-digit GDP growth, stressing that tourism and hospitality would play a central role in realising this vision.
“Eswatini possesses unmatched tourism potential – from our culture and traditions to our unique natural landscapes, flora, fauna, and heritage. We must invest ambitiously, refine our strategies, and position our nation as a quality-driven tourist destination,” he said.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the need to streamline visa processes, strengthen infrastructure, enhance branding, and invest in skills development to elevate Eswatini’s appeal. He emphasised that collaboration with regional and international partners would be critical in driving tourism growth.
The event began shortly after 10 a.m., directed with light-hearted flair by Business Eswatini CEO E. Nathi Dlamini, who had delegates frequently in stitches with his humorous asides.
The conference drew a strong international presence, including representatives from the Botswana and Côte d’Ivoire tourism sectors. Botswana was represented by Mrs Joyce Morontshe, who is the Quality Assurance Manager of Botswana Tourism Organisation. She was representing the CEO of the organisation. Côte d’Ivoire was represented by Mr Ahmed Sekou Soro, who is the Directeur du Bureau du Tourisme within the Ministry of Tourism and Leisure in that country. Stakeholders from South Africa’s tourism industry, who praised Eswatini’s untapped potential, were also present. Several speakers noted that the Kingdom could soon emerge as a top tourist destination in the region.
Locally, the gathering attracted senior government officials, industry leaders from the banking, hospitality and other sectors, and members of the diplomatic corps. Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs Jane Mkhonta-Simelane introduced the Prime Minister before his keynote address, reaffirming her ministry’s commitment to supporting the growth of the sector.
Minister of Finance Neal Rijkenberg also delivered remarks, underscoring the importance of tourism to economic diversification and fiscal sustainability. He followed a presentation by Eswatini Tourism Authority CEO Vusi Dlamini, who provided a detailed outlook on the current state of the sector and outlined ETA’s plans to improve Eswatini’s competitiveness as a destination.
The conference’s lively discussions focused on strengthening partnerships, developing new tourism products, and ensuring sustainability in line with international standards. Delegates were urged to view tourism not merely as an industry, but as a vehicle for community development, job creation, and cultural preservation.
By its close, the Tourism Nkwe Conference 2025 was hailed as a landmark event, expected to chart a new course for the Kingdom’s hospitality and tourism industry. “This must not be just a conference of ideas, but a springboard for action,” the PM said in his closing call.
With optimism in the air and regional partnerships in sight, Eswatini’s tourism sector looks set to shine brighter on the global stage.
