EZULWINI – In a definitive move to position the Kingdom of Eswatini as a premier, globally competitive travel destination, the Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Jane Mkhonta-Simelane, officially launched the national Eswatini Establishments Grading System during a high-level stakeholder engagement held at the Happy Valley Hotel and Casino on June 19, 2026. The landmark event brought together senior government officials, tourism sector leaders, and key industry stakeholders to witness what the Minister described as a “new covenant of quality, transparency, and global competitiveness” for the nation’s hospitality sector.
A Legally Backed Drive for International Standards
The implementation of the national grading system is not a voluntary afterthought, but a structured statutory exercise. It is strictly governed under the Grading of Accommodation Establishments Regulations, 2012, enacted under Section 27 of the Eswatini Tourism Authority Act, 2001.
Speaking to the executive audience, Minister Mkhonta-Simelane emphasized that a thriving tourism economy relies heavily on robust quality assurance. By enforcing these regulations, His Majesty’s Government aims to build absolute consumer confidence, stabilise fair pricing structures, and firmly elevate Eswatini’s standing within regional tourism bodies like the Triland initiative. The rigorous framework is designed to give both local and international travelers a trusted, verified benchmark when booking accommodations in the Kingdom.
New Governance Structure Unveiled
To ensure the grading process is managed with the utmost integrity, transparency, and impartiality, the Minister officially unveiled the newly appointed National Grading Committee. This panel of respected industry experts will serve as the core custodians of Eswatini’s national hospitality standards. The newly commissioned National Grading Committee consists of:
Tobie Motsa (Chairperson)
Phinely Vilakati
Deborah Jele
Milagrosa Mondlane
Phinda Manyatsi
Sethabile Dlamini
Wakhile Zwane
Empowering the Frontlines: New Assessors Commissioned
Acknowledging that regulatory standards are only as good as the professionals who evaluate them, the launch also celebrated the technical team on the ground. Backed by Assistant Quality Assurance Officer Nelisiwe Sigwane, the Minister proudly handed out Certificates of Compliance to the newly trained and qualified ETA Facility Grading Assessors.
These specialists have been equipped with advanced technical skills to audit local properties objectively, ensuring local star ratings translate accurately to international expectations. The newly commissioned Facility Grading Assessors include:
Todvwa Gwebu
Mhlobiso Nxumalo
Ntsiki Mavuso
Jackson Dlamini
Phumelele Kunene
“To our new assessors, you carry the reputation of Eswatini’s hospitality on your shoulders,” the Minister cautioned. “Execute your duties with diligence and professional pride.”
Celebrating the Trailblazers
The launch event also served as a platform to celebrate early adopters already setting the pace for the industry. The Minister officially unveiled the first official Grading Plaque for the Happy Valley Hotel and Casino, praising the management and staff for leading by example and showcasing service excellence.
Additionally, the event celebrated the unveiling of the Ezulwini Palazzo, a luxury development highlighting the growing sophistication of the Kingdom’s hospitality landscape. The Minister noted that the success of these premier establishments proves that world-class grading is fully achievable within Eswatini, serving as an open invitation for all other domestic operators—including community-based establishments—to step forward and enter the grading pipeline.
The Road to 2 Million Tourists
The long-term benefits of this national exercise are expected to ripple across the entire economic value chain, supporting Eswatini’s broader strategic goal of welcoming 2 million tourists annually by 2027. By standardizing facilities, smaller community accommodation providers will have a clear roadmap to upgrade their infrastructure, unlocking access to premium tourist markets and converting first-time visitors into lifelong ambassadors for the Kingdom. Expressing gratitude to the Eswatini Tourism Authority (ETA) leadership, led by CEO Mr. Vusie N. Dlamini, and private sector partners, the Minister closed with a powerful call to action. “Let this launch be the spark that ignites a renewed commitment to excellence across our entire value chain,” she declared. “Together, let us show the world that Eswatini is not only rich in culture, heritage, and natural beauty, but also unparalleled in the quality of its hospitality.”
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