Minister for Tourism and Environmental Affairs Jane Mkhonta-Simelane says the 7th Mlawula Campfire Festival is contributing to His Majesty King Mswati III’s call for tourism to drive economic growth in Eswatini.
Mkhonta-Simelane made the remarks on Saturday during a tour of festival stalls at Siphiso Campsite in Mlawula Nature Reserve, where she interacted with exhibitors and festival-goers.
The minister said the festival is showing growth in attendance each year and has the potential to develop into an attraction on the scale of the MTN Bushfire Festival. 
“The numbers are growing every year and very soon this festival will be at the level of Bushfire,” she said. She stated the festival is aligned to the national vision for tourism-led growth.
His Majesty King Mswati III recently said: “Tourism must drive economic growth in Eswatini,” and set a target of attracting more than one million tourists annually and at least two million by 2027, which could generate more than E2 billion in revenue.
The minister said the Mlawula Campfire Festival is moving in that direction by bringing together outdoor recreation, entertainment, nature and local business opportunities.
She also referenced Prime Minister Russell Dlamini’s call for tourism to make a greater contribution to the national economy, stating that events such as the Mlawula festival could help expand the sector’s economic footprint.
During her visit, the minister toured various stalls, spoke to exhibitors and offered business advice. She also interacted with festival-goers attending the second day of the three-day event.
She encouraged emaSwati to support local tourism initiatives and participate in events hosted locally. She thanked sponsors and stakeholders for their support.
The minister said camping has benefits beyond recreation. She said camping is good for the body, mind and spirit.
She further encouraged people to embrace traditional ways of preparing food, saying returning to more natural cooking methods instead of relying heavily on microwaves is healthier.
The 7th Mlawula Campfire Festival is being held from 25 to 27 September at Siphiso Campsite. The event has brought together families, friends, adventure seekers and music lovers.
The programme includes wellness and team-building activities, the Bakkie Life Experience, karaoke, target shooting, hiking, music, food and camping.
The festival has also attracted visitors from outside Eswatini. Camping gear was reportedly sold out as festival-goers arrived.
The minister said the continued growth of the festival could provide a platform to turn Eswatini’s natural environment and local enterprise into economic opportunities.
