HILTON UAE LEADERSHIP WELCOMED TO ESWATINI AS HOSPITALITY PARTNERSHIP DEEPENS

Mbabane— The Kingdom of Eswatini this week rolled out the red carpet for Hilton UAE leadership, a cocktail reception to celebrate another milestone in the country’s growing partnership with one of the world’s most respected hospitality brands.

The evening served as a warm welcome for Mahmoud Mokhtar, Senior Director of Focused Service Operations at Hilton, whose return visit to Eswatini was described by the Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs Jane Mkhonta Simelane as an important opportunity to further strengthen an already thriving relationship between the global hospitality group and the Kingdom.

Among the distinguished guests in attendance were PSPF Chief Executive Officer Masotja Vilakati and his leadership team, Principal Secretaries, senior Hilton management, a broad cross-section of chief executives, business leaders, and tourism and hospitality stakeholders.

A key highlight of Mokhtar’s visit is his first opportunity to experience Hilton’s newly opened Pool Bar, which was officially launched by Minister Mkhonta-Simelane on 8 May this year. In a short space of time, the venue has already emerged as a vibrant social hub for both residents and visitors, reflecting growing demand for quality leisure and hospitality experiences in Eswatini.

Speaking during the reception, Minister Mkhonta-Simelane said the success of the Pool Bar is a clear sign of Hilton’s continued confidence in Eswatini’s tourism and hospitality sector, while also showcasing the Kingdom’s readiness to offer world-class experiences to local and international guests alike.

In her remarks, the Minister reaffirmed Government’s commitment to positioning tourism as a key pillar of economic growth, job creation and economic diversification. She highlighted Eswatini’s rich natural beauty, authentic cultural heritage, warm hospitality, peaceful investment climate and strategic location within Southern Africa as strong foundations for the continued growth of leisure, business and eco-tourism.

She further welcomed Hilton’s global commitment to responsible and sustainable tourism, noting that the group’s values align closely with Government’s vision for an inclusive tourism sector that uplifts communities while safeguarding the environment. Particular emphasis was placed on shared priorities such as youth development, community empowerment, environmental stewardship and support for local enterprises.

Looking ahead, Government reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the partnership through favourable policies, continued ease-of-doing-business reforms and close collaboration across relevant ministries. Minister Mkhonta-Simelane expressed confidence that Hilton’s continued presence and investment in Eswatini would unlock further opportunities in skills development, employment creation and support for local suppliers and small businesses.

She also thanked Hilton for choosing Eswatini as a strategic destination for investment, describing the partnership as an important contribution to the Kingdom’s tourism growth story and long-term economic development.