CHRISTMAS, NEW YEAR MESSAGE FROM THE MINISTER FOR TOURISM AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS:

HON. MOSES VILAKATI.

My fellow citizens, residents, friends and visitors; the 2019 Christmas and Festive Season is again in full swing, as we celebrate the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ.  This indeed, is a very joyous time of the year, celebrated by millions around the world, including here in the Kingdom of Eswatini.

This is also a time to reflect on a year filled with accomplishments, and challenges. Among the accomplishments that history has recorded this year are national and privately-run events across culture, business, sport and entertainment - all which attracted scores of Emaswati and visitors. Destination Eswatini was successfully marketed to throngs of world travellers through our participation at various tourism trade shows in and outside Africa. The Eswatini Tourism Authority (ETA) has always been at the forefront in spearheading our marketing efforts as the destination of choice.  

May I welcome all visitors to Eswatini, as well as our returning citizens who are ordinarily based outside the country. You made a great choice! Spending time in Eswatini during this season is synonymous with making lasting memories. Our Festive Season is renowned for being fun-filled, entertaining all held in a secure, refreshing and peaceful environment. It is no coincidence that Eswatini has been selected as the number one destination in Africa and top five in the world by Lonely Planet for tourists to explore in 2020.

May I also remind our visitors and all emaSwati that our laws strictly prohibit drink-driving in order to curb road-related accidents and carnage. We encourage all service and front desk personnel to extend our renowned friendliness and resourcefulness to our visitors to ensure they feel at home and consider coming back to the country in the near future.

During this Christmas season, I pray for all of us to dedicate our lives to the service of mankind by being our brother’s keeper. Let us remember the poor, the sick and the physically challenged, including the elderly. Let us honour them in tangible ways this Christmas. Let us be vigilant in the protection of our children. Protect them and spend time with them.

As we close out 2019 and look forward to 2020, let us continue to work in collaboration and pray that the year ahead will be all that we desire, and that as a country we continue to live in peace and harmony with each other. Let us work together to keep Eswatini an irresistible destination where visitors return time and time again, because of the lifelong friendships they make, and the enjoyment of our tourism products, grand accommodation, exciting attractions and adventure, our unique culture and unparalleled events.

And let us all remember that together, working as one team, with a common vision, there’s no limit to what we can achieve.

Merry Christmas and a prosperous 2020!