Africa-Press – Eswatini. Tourism has firmly shifted from the margins to the centre of Eswatini’s economic strategy, Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini has declared, positioning the sector as a key engine for growth, job creation and environmental protection.
Speaking at a high-level panel on the sidelines of the World Government Summit in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, the Prime Minister said tourism now plays a decisive role in revenue generation while supporting small businesses, strengthening the hospitality industry and directly funding conservation efforts.
Participating in the discussion themed “Is tourism still a government priority?”, the Prime Minister shared the platform with Nigeria’s Minister of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, and Timor-Leste’s Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism and Environment, Francisco Kalbuadi Lay.
The PM noted that Eswatini has recorded a strong rebound in tourist arrivals since the COVID-19 pandemic, underlining tourism’s growing contribution to national development.
“Tourism is no longer a peripheral industry in Eswatini – it is at the core of revenue generation in the country,” he said.
Addressing climate change, the Premier acknowledged that while Eswatini contributes minimally to global emissions, it continues to experience climate-related impacts. He highlighted the country’s proactive response, including becoming the first nation to integrate disaster risk management into tourism planning – an innovative approach that has earned international recognition.
He further praised Eswatini’s robust legislative framework for wildlife conservation, describing it as among the strongest in the region. Cultural heritage, he explained, is protected and practised authentically, not staged for visitors, ensuring harmony between tradition and environmental stewardship.
“If you visit Eswatini, you will note that we don’t stage our culture for tourism – it is part of us. It is how we live as a people,” the PM said.
He added that traditional cultural practices are closely linked to wildlife management, including events that help regulate animal stocking levels. This unique integration of culture and conservation has become a powerful drawcard for visitors seeking genuine, meaningful experiences.
“People also come to Eswatini to see how culture interfaces with wildlife,” he said.
On the sidelines of the summit, the PM held bilateral meetings with the Crown Prince of the Emirate of Fujairah, Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, and the UAE Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Shakhboot Bin Nahyan Al Nahyan.
The discussions focused on strengthening cooperation and advancing areas of mutual interest between Eswatini and the United Arab Emirates.
The meetings were attended by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Pholile Shakantu, the Minister of Housing and Urban Development Appolo Maphalala, and Eswatini’s Ambassador to the UAE, Sifiso Dlamini.
Earlier, the PM joined fellow Heads of State and Government at the official opening of the World Government Summit, reinforcing Eswatini’s growing voice on global development platforms.
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