Dubai – Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini told the World Government Summit in Dubai that tourism is now central to Eswatini’s development strategy. Speaking during a panel titled “Is tourism still a government priority,” he said the Kingdom responded with a resounding “Yes.”

“For Eswatini, tourism is no longer a peripheral sector in our economy. It is now firmly at the core of revenue generation, job creation and enterprise development,” Dlamini said. He noted that tourist arrivals have significantly increased since the COVID-19 pandemic, showing global confidence in Eswatini as a destination. The growth supports the hospitality industry, empowers small and medium enterprises, and strengthens conservation efforts.

The Prime Minister also addressed climate change, describing it as a challenge Eswatini did not create but experiences firsthand. “Despite this imbalance, Eswatini has chosen to act. We have adopted mitigation measures and became the first country to integrate disaster risk management into tourism planning, an approach that has received international recognition. For us, protecting our environment is not optional,” he said.

Dlamini highlighted that Eswatini’s tourism offering is anchored in natural beauty, wildlife, and biodiversity. He said preserving these assets is essential for future generations. Culture also plays a key role. “In Eswatini, culture is not staged for visitors; it is who we are. It is woven into our daily lives and into how we manage our natural resources. Our cultural practices are directly linked to wildlife management, including events that help regulate stocking levels. This authentic interface between culture and conservation is something many visitors come to experience and learn from,” he added.

The Prime Minister concluded that Eswatini’s experience shows economic growth, cultural integrity, and environmental stewardship can advance together. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring tourism remains a force for inclusive growth, resilience, and national pride in line with the Nkwe Programme of Action, the Grand Plan for National Transformation, and the National Development Plan.

Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini , Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Senator Pholile Shakantu and Minister of Housing and Urban Development Appolo Maphalala (MP) seated with other dignitaries during the World Government Summit in Dubai.