By Bahle Gama
The Eswatini Tourism Authority (ETA) has taken the initiative to rope in numerous partners to give prizes to emaSwati who wish to celebrate Valentine’s Day with their loved ones.
These include Sibebe Hotel, The George Hotel, Ngwenya Glass, Vukani boMake, Reilly’s Rock Hilltop Lodge, Bakho All Suites, and White Orchids Day spa amongst others.
One of the biggest sponsors is Big Game Parks Eswatini which has offered a package that will include prizes given to couples across all the Game Parks they have.
Speaking during the launch of the #LoveEswatini Valentines Campaign at Sibane Hotel, Big Game Parks Sales and Marketing Manager Xolani Gama said as the month of love begins they too will not be left behind.
“We will be reintroducing our Intimate Nature Retreats. Where we say Rejuvenate, Reconnect, Rediscover. The package is not only limited to couples as love has no limitations, families, groups of friends, and even corporates are encouraged to book and experience the retreat. The retreat will be on full board. This includes accommodation, game drive, dinner in the wild, champagne, breakfast”, she said.
Gama further stated that there is also dinner in the wild a setup that she says is going to engrave memories for all who experience it.
Prizes to be won at Big Game Parks include:
• A night for 2 people at Reilly’s Rock Hilltop Lodge valued at E2970
• A night for 2 people at KaMsholo Bushveld Safaris on Bed & Breakfast basis and 2hours Game Drive valued at E2340.00
• A 2.5 hours Game Drive at Hlane Royal National Park valued at E830.00 for 2 people
• A 1-hour horse ride at Mlilwane with Chubeka Trails valued at @E750.00 for 2 people
ETA CEO Linda Nxumalo said for Emaswati to qualify for these prizes they have to follow ETA social media platforms, upload pictures or videos of themselves and their loved ones and add captions describing why their chosen partner is special to them and what would constitute the perfect Eswatini Valentine’s experience for them and further tag ETA on the posts.
The competition has two phases – one from February 2 to 7 and the second phase from February 9 to 13. Winners will be announced on February 14.
The Minister of Tourism and Environmental Authority Moses Vilakati applauded all sponsors for taking part in this initiative adding that people needed to love each other beyond February 14.
“We are faced with an increase in GBV and we need to ensure that this comes to an end. We need to love each other beyond February”, he said.
