4 October 2023
With the worldwide-celebration of September 27 as World Tourism Day (WTD) and the entire month as Tourism Month, it was no different in the Kingdom of Eswatini, as the Southern African country hosted a series of colourful activities to spice the month.
The 1st of September saw the beginning of the Eswatini International Trade Fair (EITF). Post the scourge of Covid-19, businesses benefitted due to increased brand awareness, increased sales, networking opportunities, market research facilitation and also the provision of a competitive advantage.
On the same day, Swazi Rally hosted a Biker’s Event, celebrating their 30th anniversary, seeing thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts congregate and have a fun-filled weekend with biker friends, and make new long-lasting biking relationships.
Umhlanga Reed Dance, a symbol of Eswatini culture and identity, set off on the 3rd of September as Imbali presented the reeds before Their Majesties. The Main Umhlanga Reed Dance Day was on 4th September. Thousands of unmarried Swati girls dance before Their Majesties at Ludzidzini Royal Residence. The Imbali, led by Inkhosatana Sakhizwe, is a celebration of Swazi culture, heritage and womanhood.
The Eswatini Tourism Authority (ETA) has a mandate of promoting Destination Eswatini locally, regionally and internationally. As part of the marketing activities outlined in ETA’s Marketing Strategy, ETA hosts members of the international media with the aim of educating, informing and also showcasing what Destination Eswatini has to offer to the world.
This year was no different as members of the international media had the pleasure of visiting tourist sites such as The King Sobhuza Park, The National Museum, Swazi Candles, Malolotja Nature Reserve and Maguga Dam. Our Guests had the pleasure of dining at Summerfield Luxury Resort & Botanical Garden, and Velvet Monkey in Ezulwini. Guided by Thulani Yende from Total Experience Tours, the familiarisation tour also exposed the international media to accommodation sites such as Mantenga Lodge, The George Hotel, Forrester’s Arms and Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary.
With a set of tourism activities already in the haul, ETA launched September as World Tourism Month at Limkokwing University of Creative Technology. This event took place on the 14th of September. Here, young people from Limkokwing, ECOT and tinkhundla centres were educated and upskilled on green-themed entrepreneurial opportunities available. Stakeholders present included EEA, SEDCO, Microprojects, Municipal Council of Manzini and Mbabane, Yibutse Green Action, Youth Council and Youth Enterprise Revolving Fund.
In partnership with the Hospitality and Tourism Association of Eswatini and UNDP Eswatini, ETA celebrated World Tourism Day at Ngwenya Glass on the 27th of September. Here, captains of the hospitality industry, Tourism and Environmental Affairs Ministry officials and various stakeholders braved the cold and attended the insightful and green-themed thought provoking event themed “Tourism and Green Investments” as prescribed by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO).
The World Tourism Day event attendants also witnessed on display, the colourful electric car showcased by UNDP Eswatini. The event was graced by Honorable Minister for Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Moses Vilakati. Guest speakers included UNDP Resident Representative, Excellent Hachileka and Lorraine Jenks. Eswatini Tourism Authority continues to drive its mandate to encourage responsible travel in the Kingdom of Eswatini and promotes Eswatini as a preferred destination.