Eswatini’s tourism sector is set to host its second Responsible Tourism Conference on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at Piggs Peak Hotel. The theme “Shared Value in Action” will spotlight successful initiatives, policy issues, and emerging opportunities in sustainable tourism, building on the momentum of last year’s event.

Professor Harold Goodwin, an internationally acclaimed responsible tourism expert, returns as conference moderator. He will lead discussions on supporting Eswatini’s tourism sector’s responsible tourism developments. The conference will showcase practical outcomes central to the country and initiatives launched after last year’s event, demonstrating the industry’s commitment to sustainable growth.

Key conference topics include:

• Success stories from community-business collaborations.
• Innovation in sustainable tourism experiences
• Market development strategies
• Industry capacity-building initiatives

The one-day program will combine keynote presentations, interactive panel discussions, and networking sessions, offering participants practical insights for implementation.

Registration Details: The Venue is at capacity.

• Date: April 2, 2025
• Venue: Piggs Peak Hotel

 

The event is fully subscribed.  Links below to follow online.

08:00 – 08:45 | Registration & Networking

• Guest arrivals and check-in. Reusable water bottles sponsored by KOBWA, Pigg’s Peak Town Council & Piggs Peak Hotel
• Morning tea/coffee

 

 08:45 – 10:30 | Opening Session 

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87913813445?pwd=Lape02shgiUA2mqnGxFUpLZoEThlWK.  Zoom meeting ID: 879 1381 3445  |  Passcode: 369774

• 08:45 Welcome Address: Chairman of Piggs Peak Hotel | Malcos Sengwayo
• 09:00 Opening Address: Why Eswatini values Responsible Tourism Practices | The Honorable Minister of Tourism, Mrs Jane Mkhonta-Simelane (20 minutes)
• 09:25 Address: The importance of tourism to the Eswatini economy | The Honorable Minister of Finance Mr Neal Rijkenberg (20 minutes)
• 09:50 Keynote Address: How creating shared value benefits hotels and their neighbouring communities | Professor Harold Goodwin (40 minutes)

10:30 – 11:00 | Tea & Networking Break sponsored by Piggs Peak Hotel

11:00 – 11:45 | Session 1: Policy & Implementation Panel Discussion: Integrating Responsible Tourism into National and Regional Policies

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81557834265?pwd=ayS4Zugd6kE9wxRtOBmbZ3lH2t14Cz   Meeting ID: 815 5783 4265 | Passcode: 615877

Panel members

• Delegate from the Office of the Permanent Secretary for Tourism | TBA
• Pigg’s Peak Town | Cllr Tito Simelane
• Chairman of HOTAES | Marc Ward

11:45 – 13:00 | Session 2:  Case Studies – Lessons and Challenges (15 minutes each)

• 11:45 Big Game Parks | Ann Reilly
• 12:05 MTN Bushfire Music and Arts Festival | Bongani Dlamini
• 12: 25 Piggs Peak Hotel and Town Collaboration | Glynn O’Leary
• 12: 45 Ngwenya Glass Recycling and the role of Fair and Square | Chas Prettejohn

 13:10 – 14:10 | Lunch Break & Networking  sponsored by Eswatini Tourism Authority

 

14:15 – 15:30 | Session 3: Specialist presentations (15 minutes each)

 https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83299245813?pwd=VOd4NCFRd20Bj268Z59xsZvMU8GvBa.

Meeting ID: 832 9924 5813 | Passcode: 970856

• 14:15 Responsible Architecture – PlaneCo Architects | Niel Crafford
• 14:35 Marketing Eswatini’s Tourism Internationally | A video presentation by Kelly White
• 14:55 Lowveld Marketing – A Regional Collaboration Opportunity | Linda Grimbeek
• 15:15 Responsible Tourism Branding and marketing of Eswatini – CEO of Eswatini Tourism Association (ETA) | Vusi Dlamini

15:35 – 16:30 | Session 4: The Future of Responsible Tourism in Eswatini

Open Discussion: Commitment to Action – Turning Ideas into Reality

Facilitator: Professor Harold Goodwin

• Practical steps for implementation & Key takeaways from the conference
• Open floor for contributions from attendees

16:30 | Networking Cocktail Reception sponsorship by Eswatini Beverages &  Piggs Peak Hotel

• Informal networking and discussions
• Light refreshments

Closing entertainment:  Mhlatane School Choir performance.