Africa-Press – Eswatini. Jubukweni is pioneering Eswatini’s first structured Community Based Tourism (CBT) project, offering visitors a chance to experience local culture while the community strengthens its skills in managing tourism sustainably.
Backed by the International Trade Centre (ITC), Jubukweni is being positioned as a learning hub for inclusive and sustainable tourism. ITC experts Dr. Fedric Thomas from France and Alex are working closely with the community to design a governance framework that is transparent, accountable, and fully community led.
On Monday 18 August 2025, Jubukweni welcomed a delegation from The Gambia, including a Member of Parliament and a CBT specialist. The visitors are sharing insights from their own experiences while engaging in peer learning with Eswatini stakeholders, strengthening knowledge exchange and regional collaboration in community tourism.
Reflecting on the project’s significance, Mfanfikile Nkambule said “Jubukweni is setting an example of how communities can lead and benefit from tourism initiatives.”
Providing further insight on the recent visit, Phila Mnisi added “The response to the CBT visit was very positive, especially considering that we are still at the initial stages of setting up this project.
Mnisi further said the visitors encouraged Jubukweni community to ensure that the committee performs its duties properly and explained how these responsibilities should be managed. The visitors also shared advice on how our heritage sites should be handled. They emphasized that there should be a wide range of craft activities available right here in Jubukweni so that visitors can engage fully and not leave quickly.”
The learning exchange continues throughout the week. Today a Gambian expert has joined food providers in preparing traditional meals as part of cultural sharing, while tour operators will test Jubukweni’s tourism itinerary. Discussions on pricing models are also planned to ensure the pilot is economically sustainable.
The programme will culminate on Thursday with a benchmarking visit to Shewula, one of Eswatini’s most recognised CBT success stories. Representatives from other communities, including Shewula, Mahamba, and Kuvinjelweni, are taking part, highlighting the potential of Jubukweni’s pilot to influence community tourism across the country.
With these strides, Jubukweni is not only positioning itself as a tourist destination but also as a pioneer in reshaping how communities can govern and benefit from tourism in Eswatini.
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