…. Throngs of people expected
BY DELISA THWALA
MBABANE – The Eswatini Tourism Authority (ETA) hosted an activation in Mozambique-Maputo with the aim of promoting upcoming events such as the Reed Dance, Eswatini International Trade Fair and the 55/55 Double Celebrations.
ETA Chief Executive Officer Linda Nxumalo said other major events being promoted include Tourist Train powered by Eswatini Railways, Swazi Rally, Mlawula Camp Fire Festival and many others.
“Mozambique is the second major source market for Eswatini and it recorded an increase of 174.4 per cent growth in visitations for the second quarter of 2023,” said Nxumalo.
The event, held at The High Commission of Eswatini in Mozambique, was hosted by His Excellency Ambassador for Eswatini Mlondi Dlamini.
Various stakeholders from Eswatini Railways, CFM (Maputo Railways), Swazi Rally, Mlawula Nature Reserve, ENTC and Mozambican Bikers were present in this colourful event.
On Monday, as part of the Triland agreement, an activation was held in Mpumalanga, South Africa.
The event saw a beautiful and exciting performance by His Majesty’s Correctional Services Culture Troupe.
Eswatini National Trust Commission Eswatini Railways Mlawula Nature Reserve Swazi Rally Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency
ETA then hosted an activation in Mpumalanga, South Africa @thegarden_mbombela with the aim of promoting the upcoming events in the country.
Notwithstanding the headwinds of the COVID-19 pandemic, South Africa still constitutes Eswatini’s largest visitor generating market, followed by Mozambique.
The annual statistics indicate that South Africans and Mozambicans accounted for 69.4 percent and 11.8 percent respectively, of total visitations to Eswatini in 2022.
The event had a keynote address by the Southern Africa Tourism Services Association (SATSA) Chairperson, Oupa Pilane.
The ETA CEO was represented by Acting Head of Marketing, Chunky Dlamini. Stakeholders from Swazi Rally and Mlawula Campfire Festival made presentations on Eswatini upcoming events. Management and staff members of Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA), Mpumalanga tour operators and members of the media were also present. Attendees witnessed a soulful performance by King Donald Thobela.
