Remarks by the UN Resident Coordinator, Ms. Nathalie Ndongo-Seh, at the Launch of the COVID-19 Health and Safety Guidelines for the Tourism Industry in Eswatini

13 July 2020

Programme Director

Hon. Minister of Tourism & Environmental Affairs

Principal Secretaries

Chief Executive Officer of Eswatini Tourism Authority

UN colleagues

Distinguished ladies and gentlemen,

It is with pleasure, great humility, solidarity and a sense of accomplishment that I join you to witness a significant milestone in our battle to overcome the ravaging spread and devastating impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

The launch of the Tourism National COVID-19 Guidelines is a clear demonstration of the Government’s commitment and resolve to address the challenges of the pandemic head-on and explore all opportunities to recover better.

I would like to extend my gratitude to the Ministry of Tourism and Environmental  Affairs and Eswatini Tourism Authority for their kind invitation and commend your efforts in leading the development of these important guidelines, as we are entering  the recovery phase of the pandemic…which we refer to as the “new normal”.

Worldwide, tourism has evolved to become the most expansive and fastest growing sectors of our times, supporting the livelihood of 1 in 11 people and thus, holding immense socio-economic opportunities. Africa in particular holds an undeniable potential.

In our majestic Eswatini, tourism accounts for 2.8% of total GDP. Given the warm-nature of its people, low crime rates in comparison to neighbouring countries, spectacular landscapes and sceneries, venturesome game parks, numerous festivals and cultural richness, Eswatini prides itself as an exceptionally beautiful, exciting and safe tourist destination. 

It is by no mistake that the Government of Eswatini, in its Strategic roadmap 2019-2022, has singled out tourism as one of the five key growth sectors alongside Agriculture; Manufacturing & Agro-processing; Mining & Energy; as well as Education and ICT.

Tourism is an essential pillar of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. With only 10 years left to reach 2030, tourism will play a significant role in accelerating our joint efforts to achieve the SDGs in Eswatini. The livelihoods of many emaSwati depend on it, especially for vulnerable groups such as women and the youth who are most affected by unemployment.

COVID-19 has affected every worker, every business and every corner of the globe. Hundreds of millions of jobs have been lost. The tourism industry remains  among the most affected sectors as almost all countries put lockdown measures in place and closed their borders, thereby effectively shutting down tourism activity.

Coincidentally, the informal economy has also suffered a major blow as a result of the restrictions imposed on the tourism sector. Women, especially those who produce handicraft and other products specifically for the tourists or who serve in the hotel industry  have been especially hard hit.

Young people, persons with disabilities and so many others who normally benefit from small seasonal jobs are also facing tremendous difficulties.  Many small and medium-sized enterprises — the engine of the global economy — may not survive the hit.

Massive unemployment and loss of income from COVID-19 may erode social cohesion and destabilize countries and regions — health-wise, socially, politically and economically.

At the same time, those challenges provide encouraging opportunities. The world of work, including the tourism sector, cannot and will not look the same after this crisis.  It is time for coordinated global, regional and national efforts to build better and more resilient industries, including the tourism industry.

Recently, the UN Secretary-General, Mr. António Guterres, stated that tourism can be a platform for overcoming the coronavirus pandemic.  He asserted that, by bringing people together, tourism can promote solidarity and trust which are crucial ingredients to advance the global cooperation and solidarity that are so urgently needed at this critical time.

We need to support workers, enterprises, jobs and incomes to avoid business closures, job losses and income decline.  With the easing of the lockdown in Eswatini, we now need greater focus on both health and economic activity to ensure that workplaces and tourism destinations are safe.

As we focus on the “new normal”, let’s not forget that the pre-COVID-19 world was far from normal.  The pandemic arrived at a time of rising inequalities, gender discrimination, lack of opportunities for young people, stagnant wages, and climate crises. In fact, the pandemic exposed tremendous shortcomings and fragilities in all countries.

With smart and timely action at all levels, and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development as our guide or compass, we can emerge from this crisis stronger, with better tourism, better jobs and a brighter, more equal and greener future for all in Eswatini.

Investing in people and in the planet , boosting infrastructure development and shaping better policies and institutions are key to shaping Tourism.

I encourage all those involved in the tourism sector to explore how together we may recover better, including through climate action and other steps that advance sustainability and build resilience. 

On our journey toward a better future, we must uphold our pledge to leave no one behind.

Once again, we commend His Majesty, the Government and all partners, once again, for their dedication to the people of Eswatini and for WHO’s endorsement of the COVID-19 Health and Safety Guidelines for the Tourism Industry in Eswatini. We salute in this regard the passion, perseverance and tremendous work of Honorable Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs, supported in those endeavors by the uEswatini Tourism Authority.

Today, let’s renew  our commitment to the tourism sector in Eswatini while noting that together, we can achieve anything.

Thank you.