Eswatini has further cemented its place on the responsible tourism map, following a significant double recognition that highlights the country’s growing role in sustainable travel. In the space of just a few weeks, Eswatini hosted the 2nd International Responsible Tourism Conference and saw its national tourism stand awarded “Most Responsible Stand” at WTM Africa 2025.
Held in April at the Piggs Peak Hotel, the conference was organised by the hotel’s management company, TFPD – an organisation with sustainable tourism at its core, established to operate community-owner hospitality facilities that balance the needs of the local community with those of nature. The conference brought together tourism professionals, community leaders, policy makers and international delegates for an open exchange of ideas and a combined drive for the importance of responsible tourism. It marked the return of the Responsible Tourism Partnership’s international conference series to the region, following the success of the first event held in the region in 2024.
Chaired by Professor Harold Goodwin, a key advocate for responsible tourism globally, the event focused on practical approaches to embedding responsibility into tourism systems. Central themes included tourism’s role in rural development, community engagement, and cross-border collaboration in the Lubombo region. The agenda was also shaped by Eswatini’s own progress in using tourism as a tool for inclusive economic development.
“Eswatini is demonstrating that responsible tourism is not just an aspiration—it is achievable,” said Goodwin in a post-event reflection. “At Piggs Peak, we heard from community-based tourism enterprises and saw first-hand the efforts being made to ensure that tourism benefits reach local people.”
Workshops and site visits offered a real-world lens on initiatives being implemented at ground level, including local craft production, village tours, and rural lodges. Discussions were framed not only by environmental responsibility, but also by economic and social equity. Several sessions highlighted Eswatini’s success in integrating communities into tourism value chains without compromising authenticity or dignity.
Just weeks later, this commitment was recognised on a global stage. At WTM Africa 2025, held in Cape Town, the Eswatini Tourism Authority was awarded “Most Responsible Stand” – an accolade that reflects both presentation and purpose. Judges cited the stand’s use of sustainable materials, recycling and reworking previous years structures, expressing strong messaging on community benefits, local voices and reducing waste.
The stand impressed not only with its environmental credentials but also with how it conveyed Eswatini’s tourism story. Visitors were introduced to sustainable travel opportunities across the country, including community-run homestays, eco-lodges, and conservation-focused wildlife experiences.
The Eswatini Tourism Authority’s Head of Marketing Chunky Mdluli-Dlamini expressed her pride at the well-deserved award win: “It means a lot. We were competing against the giants in the tourism sector, and we are proud that we won this year. Indeed, dynamites come in small packages. We are small, petite, yet unique.” She also explained that ” We applied the responsible rules of reducing waste, reusing the same materials and recycling them.”
For the Eswatini Tourism Authority (ETA), the award is seen as a reflection of broader national progress rather than a standalone achievement. ETA stated that “We see responsible tourism as a shared responsibility. From government to private operators to rural communities, everyone has a role to play in making sure tourism is fair, inclusive, and sustainable.”
With responsible tourism gaining momentum globally, Eswatini’s quiet, consistent work is beginning to draw attention. The conference and the WTM win together offer a reminder that smaller destinations can lead by example—and that meaningful tourism doesn’t need to be loud to be impactful.