Communities in Eswatini are taking the lead in shaping the future of sustainable tourism in the Matsanjeni Cultural Landscape, following a high-level national work planning session convened by UNESCO, the Eswatini National Trust Commission (ENTC), and the National Commission for UNESCO (NatCom) from 25 to 26 March 2026. The two-day session brought together traditional leaders, government institutions, and cultural stakeholders to agree on concrete actions that will guide the development of culture and heritage-based tourism in Matsanjeni North Inkundla.
Moving beyond dialogue to action, the session was designed as a hands-on working platform rather than a conventional workshop. Participants translated findings from recent baseline studies into a clear, prioritising interventions focusing on practical, implementable solutions and strengthening collaboration among stakeholders to deliver shared results.
This was not a typical workshop, it was a working session where co-creation is central. The value lies in bringing everyone together to jointly define what needs to be done and how we move forward collectively.
Participants agreed on a set of concrete, action-oriented measures to drive the development of sustainable tourism in Matsanjeni, focusing on governance, destination development, storytelling, and community empowerment. Key priorities include establishing stronger coordination mechanisms and partnerships, developing culture and heritage-based tourism trails, and advancing destination planning through a structured approach such as a Destination Management and Marketing Organisation (DMMO).
The plan also places strong emphasis on sustainability and inclusion. Stakeholders committed to integrated management approaches, ranging from disaster risk preparedness and improved visitor facilities to disability inclusion, ensuring tourism development benefits all. At the same time, efforts to enhance visitor experience will be strengthened through improved storytelling, documentation of local knowledge, and the training and professionalisation of local tour guides.
Crucially, community empowerment emerged as a central pillar of the initiative. With a focus on skills development and cultural entrepreneurship, the plan aims to strengthen local participation in tourism systems and ensure that communities are not just participants, but primary beneficiaries of tourism growth.
This workshop helped me understand the project much better. When we started working together and discussing what we can actually do, it became clear how our ideas fit into the bigger plan. I was even able to propose some initiatives from our community that can now be included.
By the conclusion of the two-day session, stakeholders had developed a consolidated and prioritised workplan, clearly outlining roles, responsibilities, and timelines for implementation. Beyond planning, the process reinforced a shared commitment that sustainable tourism in Matsanjeni must be rooted in collaboration, inclusivity, and strong local ownership.
The session, held under the Africa–Europe Partnerships for Culture: Promoting Culture and Heritage-based Sustainable Tourism in Southern Africa programme and supported by the European Union, marked a pivotal shift from analysis to action. With priorities set and responsibilities clarified, the initiative is now poised to move from planning to tangible implementation on the ground.