Swaziland Tourism Authority appoints new board of directors

The new Swaziland Tourism Authority (STA) Board of Directors, headed by Timothy Zwane, has been challenged to come up with more tourist packages. The board was announced by Minister of Tourism, Environment and Communications Thandi Shongwe in her offices yesterday.

Shongwe said the board had the mammoth task of taking the country into 2010 when South Africa hosts the FIFA Soccer World Cup, stating that this is one event that the country can benefit from, hence the need to prepare the local tourism industry.

“We also rely on you to assist in the grading of all accommodation establishments in the country. You also have to look at the tourist packages that are available in Swaziland and add more,” she said.

Shongwe emphasised the importance of training all frontline information officers so that they give a better service to the tourists.

The new board has nine members with representation from the Ministry of Finance and that of tourism.

Meanwhile, Zwane, when speaking on behalf the board expressed the challenge that lie ahead. He said, “We humbly accept the appointment, knowing very well the challenges that lie ahead. Our task has been outlined and want to assure the minister that we will carry it out.

“The good thing is that we are all stakeholders of the tourism industry, so through the appointment, we are promoting and enhancing our own interest,” he said. The other board members include Patrick Ward, Themba Maseko, Bremer Nxumalo, Omma Mavimbela, Ministry of Finance Principal Secretary representative, Senior Tourism Officer Musa Mdluli and STA Chief Executive Officer Eric Maseko.

The former board was chaired by Masalekhaya Simelane.

Source: www.times.co.sz