Eswatini’s main attractions – its natural and cultural heritage endowments – are being leveraged in order to develop and ultimately realise the kingdom’s tourism potential for the benefit of Emaswati. Finance Minister Neal Rijkenberg declared that strong justification of this strategy lay in the recent laudation of the country by global travel authority and influential publication, Lonely Planet, thanks to which Eswatini was now a recognised international tourist destination of choice. Lonely Planet annually features a highly anticipated collection of the best travel destinations, trends, journeys and experiences to have in the year ahead: its glowing endorsement of Eswatini was filed under ‘Best in Travel’ for the applicable period, and the country was ranked ‘5th Best World Destination to Visit’.
As appeared in the Lonely Planet ‘Top 10 Countries’ category: “Petite, pleasant and packed with culture, adventure and legendary wildlife, the Kingdom of Eswatini is one of Southern Africa’s most underrated (and least visited) destinations. A new international airport, as well as improved road infrastructure between it, conservation areas and the capital, are aimed to increase visitor numbers in the years ahead. The varied landscapes within its parks and reserves provide one exciting revelation after another, whether it’s ziplining, trekking, white-water rafting or mind-blowing rhino encounters. Mix in a pervading sense of peace and enthralling cultural festivities, and you’ll be smiling all the way home.”
