Africa-Press – Eswatini. The Eswatini Tourism Authority (ETA) has intensified efforts to raise the quality of accommodation establishments through a nationwide grading programme aimed at positioning the country as a premium tourism destination.
The initiative, facilitated by 3T Business Fusion, is designed to standardise service delivery and ensure that tourism facilities meet internationally recognised benchmarks. This follows intensive training of local grading assessors and committee members in South Africa, equipping them with the expertise to evaluate establishments with precision and consistency.
On Monday,30 March, the trained assessors conducted a mock grading assessment at Maguga Lodge, marking a critical step in putting theory into practice. The exercise allowed the team to test their readiness ahead of the official rollout of the grading system across the country.
According to ETA, the programme seeks to enhance visitor experience by providing reliable quality assurance for both local and international tourists. The grading system will categorise accommodation establishments based on defined criteria, offering travellers clear expectations on standards, amenities, and service levels.
Assessments are expected to continue throughout the week, with the full implementation of the grading programme set to follow. Industry players have welcomed the move, noting that it will not only improve service delivery but also encourage operators to continuously upgrade their offerings.
Tourism remains a key pillar of Eswatini’s economy, contributing to employment creation and foreign exchange earnings. By investing in quality assurance mechanisms such as the grading programme, the country is taking decisive steps towards sustainable tourism growth and enhanced global appeal.
The ETA emphasised that the initiative aligns with broader efforts to promote excellence, consistency, and professionalism within the hospitality industry.
