Find Tourism and Travel partners in Swaziland
- Overview
- Investment
Overview
According to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) the total contribution of the travel and tourism sector in Swaziland was 4.0% of GDP in 2011. This figure is set to fall in the short term, but then rise by 1.8% per annum to 2022. The WTTC ranks Swaziland 168th out of 181 countries worldwide in terms of the relative contribution of tourism to the economy (at 4% of GDP), 10% below the world average. The industry accounts for 3.6% of jobs which are supported directly and indirectly by tourism (2011). By 2022 the WTTC estimate that 14, 000 people will be employed in the sector (2011). Visitor exports generated 1.9% of total exports in 2011. In 2010 Swaziland received 868, 000 tourist arrivals, predominantly from Southern Africa.
Investment
Swaziland Tourism Authority promotes tourism internationally. North America, Europe and South Africa are the principal target audiences for Swazi tourism marketing, with some interest from tour operators in Australia and the Middle East. The main tourist attractions are wildlife including birds and big game, landscape and culture. Swaziland is the last absolute monarchy in Africa and has a proud cultural heritage which strongly informs everyday life in the country. Swaziland Tourism Authority is keen to emphasise the authenticity of their cultural tourism as a show of real life in Swaziland. There is scope for investment in ecotourism and ‘voluntourism’ with some tour operators already offering travellers the chance to contribute to conservation and social projects. Modern culture and evening entertainment is also rising as an important element in the sector and holds great opportunities for investment. Following a lull in the casino industry after South African laws were liberalised, casinos in Swaziland now have an improved and more sophisticated image. House on Fire is the leading modern arts and cultural venue with an ‘Afro-Shakespearean’ amphitheatre.
Investment in the travel and tourism sector in 2011 was SZL156.4mn, constituting 4.9% of total investment. This was expected to rise by 7.6% in 2012, and then continue to rise by 1.5% pa over the following ten years, reaching SZL195.0mn by 2022.
Tourism and Travel organisations in Swaziland | |
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Mananga Country Club |
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Ministry of Tourism, Environment and Communication |
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Swaziland Airlink |
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Swaziland Tourism Authority |
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Swaziland Tourist Office, Mantenga |
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Swaziland Tourist Office, Ngwenya |
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