BY DELISA THWALA
MBABANE– Eswatini Tourism Authority Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Linda Nxumalo says that attending the Africa Tourism Indaba strengthened the country’s government and tourism sector.
She said this was done through the interaction that was done through the industry players that travelled with ETA to Durban where they showcased their products and services to people who visited their stalls.
The ETA, alongside the Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Authority, is attending the Africa Tourism Indaba at the Durban International Convention Centre which runs from May 8 and ends today.
The Indaba has seen numerous companies from within the industry from different parts of Africa, ranging from hotels, game parks, tourism agencies, and many others which have set up their stalls within and outside the ICC.
Eswatini hotels like The George, The Hilton Garden Inn, and Foresters Arms are in attendance under the Eswatini Tourism stall.
From Zambia, companies like Zambia Airways, Shamba Travel Group, Mukambi Safaris, and others have set up under Zambia Tourism Agency, whilst countries like Lesotho, Namibia, Mozambique, Botswana, Tanzania, and many others are also in attendance.
Eswatini’s Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Moses Vilakati, during the Indaba, joined a panel of African Ministers for a Tourism Dialogue session in Durban, South Africa, on the sidelines of the annual Tourism Indaba.
The Dialogue, held under the theme ‘Tourism Sustainable Development,’ aimed to provide a platform for African tourism Ministers, policymakers, stakeholders, and experts from the tourism sector to share ideas on the role of tourism in the African continent and discuss issues impacting tourism post-COVID-19.
The Dialogue also discussed the opportunities of BRICS for South Africa and the African continent. Minister Vilakati spoke on the importance of promoting tourism through ease of connectivity, highlighting the recent launch of Eswatini Air, exploring unique cultural experiences, as well as reviewing visa regimes in the African continent.
Yesterday, the Minister met with his South African counterpart Patricia de Lille to discuss matters of mutual interest on the sidelines of the Tourism Indaba in Durban, RSA.
Among other things discussed were ease of access at points of entry, possible opportunities from air transportation and the importance of having good road infrastructure for the ease of doing business and movement of people between the two countries.
The Minister further signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of Zimbabwe with the main interest of strengthening relations between Eswatini and Zimbabwe.
The two countries have committed to exploring joint business initiatives, marketing and facilitating the inclusion of each other’s tour operators’ packages. This follows His Majesty King Mswati III’s recent visit to Zimbabwe.
