Tomorrow, April 2nd, 2025, Eswatini will once again position itself at the forefront of Africa’s sustainable tourism movement as it hosts the 2nd Responsible Tourism Conference at Piggs Peak Hotel. With the Honourable Minister of Tourism, Mrs. Jane Mkhonta-Simelane, serving as the chief host, this conference signals a deepening commitment by Eswatini to responsible tourism principles—balancing economic benefits, cultural preservation, and environmental stewardship.
A Gathering of Visionaries and Changemakers
Themed “Building Shared Value in Practice,” the conference will bring together a diverse array of stakeholders, including government leaders, conservationists, hospitality professionals, and representatives from local communities. At its heart, the event will explore how tourism can be a force for good, particularly in small but culturally rich nations like Eswatini. With free registration available for both in-person and online participants, the conference ensures broad accessibility and inclusivity—critical elements of a truly sustainable initiative.
A highlight of the event is the keynote address by Professor Harold Goodwin, a globally recognized authority in responsible tourism. His session, titled “How Creating Shared Value Benefits Hotels and Their Neighbouring Communities,” will illustrate how businesses can actively contribute to local well-being, drawing from successful global case studies. This topic is especially relevant for Eswatini, where the intersection of tourism and community development presents both challenges and immense opportunities.
Why This Conference Matters
The significance of this conference extends beyond industry discussions; it is a critical step toward making tourism in Eswatini more sustainable and resilient. The inclusion of key speakers such as the Honourable Minister of Finance, Mr. Neal Rijkenberg, and representatives from major tourism and conservation organizations—including Big Game Parks, MTN Bushfire Festival, and Ngwenya Glass Recycling—demonstrates an integrated approach to sustainable tourism. By bringing together policymakers, business leaders, and conservationists, the conference fosters cross-sector collaboration, a necessity for long-term impact.
The conference aligns with the principles outlined in the 2022 Responsible Tourism Charter, which calls for destinations to take proactive responsibility in mitigating negative impacts while maximizing social and environmental benefits. This commitment to responsible tourism is especially crucial for Eswatini, a country renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and biodiversity. By integrating sustainability into tourism development, Eswatini can enhance its reputation as an ecotourism hub, attract conscientious travelers, and secure economic gains for local communities.
We’re showcasing real-world collaboration between towns, tourism operators, and communities,” says O’Leary. “Piggs Peak is a living example of how tourism, when thoughtfully managed, can become a genuine engine for shared prosperity.
Piggs Peak Hotel: A Model for Responsible Tourism
The choice of Piggs Peak Hotel as the venue is fitting, given its location in the scenic highlands of northern Eswatini—an area emblematic of the country’s natural beauty and potential for ecotourism. The hotel itself embodies many of the principles of responsible tourism, offering an environment that harmonizes with its surroundings while supporting local livelihoods. By hosting this event, Piggs Peak Hotel stands as a beacon for other hospitality enterprises, demonstrating how responsible business practices can enhance guest experiences and create tangible benefits for the community.
Piggs Peak is more than just a venue; it is an active participant in the conversation around sustainable tourism. As O’Leary aptly puts it, “Piggs Peak is a living example of how tourism, when thoughtfully managed, can become a genuine engine for shared prosperity.” This idea will be explored throughout the event, reinforcing the need for destination managers to implement policies that not only attract tourists but also uplift local communities.
Generating Actionable Outcomes
What sets this conference apart from mere discussions is its emphasis on practical outcomes. The closing session, facilitated by Prof. Goodwin, will be an open forum for stakeholders to commit to tangible actions. This results-driven approach ensures that the insights and recommendations emerging from the conference translate into policies and practices that can be implemented across Eswatini and beyond.
The presence of Destination Management Organizations (DMOs) from Eswatini and the Kruger Lowveld area highlights the regional significance of responsible tourism. By fostering partnerships across borders, the conference will encourage knowledge exchange and collaborative strategies that can amplify the impact of sustainable tourism initiatives throughout Southern Africa.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Tourism in Eswatini
As Eswatini moves forward in its sustainable tourism journey, the insights gained from this conference will be instrumental in shaping policies that ensure tourism remains a resilient economic pillar. The discussions around responsible tourism principles, community engagement, and environmental conservation will help refine national tourism strategies to better balance growth with sustainability.
With the Honourable Minister of Tourism, Mrs. Jane Mkhonta-Simelane, spearheading these efforts, Eswatini has a strong advocate for sustainable tourism at the policy level. Her leadership in this event underscores the government’s dedication to fostering a tourism sector that benefits all stakeholders—locals, businesses, and visitors alike.
In conclusion, the 2nd Responsible Tourism Conference is not merely a gathering but a call to action. It is an opportunity for Eswatini to showcase its commitment to responsible tourism, reinforce partnerships, and implement strategies that safeguard its cultural and natural heritage for generations to come. As delegates gather at Piggs Peak Hotel, they do so with the collective goal of making Eswatini a model of sustainable tourism in Africa.
