BY SETHABILE MYENI
MBABANE – The Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs has wished emaSwati and visitors safe and joyful holidays filled with memorable Eswatini travel experiences through the new year.
Minister Jane Mkhonta delivered her festive season and Christmas message at the Ministry of Tourism Offices today afternoon.
She said Christmas is the time to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and reflect on a year filled with accomplishments, challenges, gladness and some sadness.
“Among some of the accomplishments that history has recorded this year are national and private-run events across culture, business, sport, and entertainment – all which attracted scores of Emaswati and visitors. Destination Eswatini was successfully marketed to throngs of world travellers through our participation at various tourism trade shows in and outside Africa. The Eswatini Tourism Authority (ETA) has always been at the forefront in the spearheading of our destination’s marketing efforts,” she said.
Mkhonta stated that tourists have continued to visit this beautiful country, exploring its world-class tourism offerings and unique experiences with vigour and that this is the spirit behind the ongoing festive season tourism campaign dubbed, “Choose Eswatini”. She added that emaSwati do not need look beyond the borders of this country because the ultimate holiday experiences await them and their loved ones across the four regions of Eswatini.
“From Shiselweni’s scenic splendour and Hhohho’s highland adventures, to thrilling wildlife safaris in the Lubombo and the vibrant dining and shopping experiences in the Manzini region, Eswatini truly is the perfect holiday destination for all ages this festive season,” she said.
She also welcomed all visitors to Eswatini saying that they have made a great choice by choosing to spend time in Eswatini during this season. She also reminded them of the laws prohibit drink-driving as one of the many ways His Majesty’s Government employ to curb road-related accidents and carnage.
“During this Christmas Season, I pray that all of us will dedicate our lives to the service of mankind by being our brother’s keeper. Let us remember the poor, the infirmed, and the physically challenged. We must also remember the sick as well as the elderly. Let us honour them in tangible ways this Christmas. Let us be vigilant in the protection of our children. Protect them and Spend time with them,” she said.
She went on to encourage all service and front desk personnel to extend politeness and resourcefulness to the visitors so that they not just feel at home but would consider coming back to Eswatini in the near future.
The Honourable Minister continued to recognise the resilience and resolution demonstrated by members of the country’s tourism industry who continue to take the initiative to endorse and promote domestic tourism to Emaswati. She said the COVID-19 dented the tourism sector but it did not defeat it.
“The emergence of new tourism products and establishments over the last two years has expanded the country’s tourism product offering and further cemented the sector as a great driving force behind Eswatini’s economic growth and employment creation. Additionally, we remain ever so impressed with the enthusiasm with which Emaswati continue to embrace this country as their tourism destination of choice,” said Mkhonta.
