Africa-Press – Eswatini. His Majesty King Mswati III has called upon the government, private sector, and all strategic stakeholders to collaborate in ensuring that ensure that tourism drives the through the attraction of over two million tourists by 2027, which will in turn inject up to E2 billion into the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which currently stands at E15 billion.
The King made a bold statement on the importance of driving tourism during the last leg of his 57th birthday celebration dinner, which was convened at the Mbangweni Royal Residence on Monday by the Shiselweni Business Community, with the 7th on the Hill Hotel as anchor sponsor.
The King, who continued on various fora fondly enunciated his vision for Eswatini to be developed into a first-world country, mentioned that in most of the countries he has visited, especially well-developed States, natural resources and minerals had turned the economies around, followed by tourism.
Therefore, in the absence of vast natural resources such as oil, the Kingdom ought to take advantage of its magnificent scenery and unique culture to drive economic transformation by pushing a strong tourism agenda.
“Tourism must drive economic growth in Eswatini. To achieve this objective, we need to attract over 1 million tourists per annum and at least 2 million by 2027, which will pump over E2 billion in revenue for the local economy,” the King emphasised during the dinner attended by Zulu King Misizulu Ka Zwelithini as guest of honour.
Also present during the dinner, convened at a superbly decorated marquee within the Royal Residence, were Emakhosikati, Princes, sigodlo, Prime Minister (PM) Russell Dlamini, Cabinet Ministers, Emabandla, 3Cabinet ministers and senior government officials follow proceedings during His Majesty’s 57th Birthday celebrations at Mbangweni Royal Residence.
Members from both Houses of Parliament, the business community, and captains of industry with general members of the public.
To drive his point home and to further compound the ease of tourism in economic revitalisation, the King said other countries attract up to 60 million tourists yearly.
He said in such countries that attract 60 million tourists, if each of the visitors spends at least one Emalangeni per day, it means the economy benefits up to E60 million daily.
However, the King advised that as the country gears up to utilise tourism as a driver of the economy, innovation should be at the forefront with the intent to ensure that the people and groups who visit find it worthwhile coming to Eswatini.
The King pointed out that improved tourism would greatly assist the country in attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).
“If we have an adequate agricultural supply, utilise our natural resources well, have robust financial institutions, and world-class tourism facilities, we are bound to attract investors that will make a meaningful impact not only on our economy but our quest for the reduction of unemployment levels through the provision of quality jobs,” he said.
The Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Jane Mkhonta, said the government remains committed to ensuring that the King’s vision towards the improvement of tourism gets realised.
She said they would continue to work tirelessly to ensure that the target set by the King was met against all odds.
“We are working towards surpassing the target of 1 million visitors in the Kingdom during the current year.
We are confident that it will be realised when considering that we have already reached 982,000 visitors in 2024.
Under the wise leadership of His Majesty King Mswati III’s government, we will also reach beyond the set 2 million visitors by 2027,” Mkhonta assured.
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