PHUMULA FARM GUEST HOUSE , THE GEORGE HOTEL EARN STAR RATINGS

By Tlalane Dlamini

MBABANE – The Eswatini Tourism Authority (ETA) has handed over star-grading plaques and certificates to The George Hotel and Phumula Farm Guest House, recognising their accommodation standards under the National Grading Programme.

The handover took place on Monday, 19 October 2026, with The George Hotel receiving a three-star rating, while Phumula Farm Guest House was awarded four stars under the Guest House category.

ETA Chief Executive Officer Vusie Norman Dlamini visited both establishments to present the plaques and certificates, accompanied by Chief Financial Officer Khulile Dlamini, Head of Marketing Chunky Mdluli-Dlamini and Product Development Manager Sikhumbuzo Mondlane.

Speaking during the handover, Dlamini emphasised the importance of quality assurance in building a competitive tourism industry, noting that visitors must have confidence in the accommodation standards offered by the Kingdom.

He also thanked the Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Affairs for prioritising the formalisation of hospitality standards, describing the grading exercise as part of ETA’s statutory mandate.

The National Grading Programme is governed by the Grading of Accommodation Establishments Regulations of 2012, enacted under Section 27 of the Eswatini Tourism Authority Act of 2001.

Although participation in the grading programme is voluntary, the framework provides a structured and legally supported mechanism for assessing accommodation standards and improving service delivery across the hospitality sector.

ETA said the two establishments had demonstrated a commitment to service excellence, with their grading plaques serving as recognition of their verified standards and efforts to enhance the guest experience.

The authority encouraged the recognition of establishments participating in the programme, describing them as examples for other hospitality businesses seeking to strengthen quality and professionalism in the industry.

Meanwhile, ETA also highlighted the recent signing of a Hotel Management Agreement with Palazzo Hospitality for the management of Ezulwini Palazzo.

The agreement establishes operational standards, responsibilities and accountability measures for the professional management of the convention centre and, once it opens, the hotel.

Dlamini said recognised accommodation establishments around the Ezulwini Palazzo International Convention Centre would help strengthen visitor confidence and support the attraction of international tourists, conferences and major events.

He added that the grading programme could contribute to Eswatini’s competitiveness in the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism market.

The initiative forms part of broader efforts to position Eswatini as a quality tourism destination while strengthening hospitality standards and supporting sustainable growth across the sector.