By Delisa Thwala
His Majesty King Mswati III’s diplomatic tours will help Eswatini’s economy.
This is the view made by Economist Sanele Sibiya during Eswatini TV’s Kusile Breakfast show interview on Tuesday.
The King is currently in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) accompanied by Inkhosikati LaMashwama on a four-day official visit after attending the SADC Summit in Zimbabwe.
Sibiya during the lengthy interview, said beyond being a source of leisure, His Majesty’s tours have become a robust driver of economic growth and diplomatic relations between nations.
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“It impacts trade, investment, cultural exchange, and diplomatic ties, extending its influence far beyond picturesque landscapes and historical monuments,” said Sibiya.
He further said in this interconnected world, tourism and business relations serve as a conduit for building bridges of cooperation and mutual understanding.
It fosters economic diplomacy by boosting trade and investment, promoting cultural exchange and soft power, and forging people-to-people connections.
“This harmonious interplay of leisure and international relations reminds us of the importance of fostering cooperation and goodwill in an ever-changing world,” he said.
Economist Sibiya said the notion of economic diplomacy is inherently rooted in the idea of leveraging economic activities as a tool for forging and maintaining diplomatic ties between nations.
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In the realm of tourism, it involves the strategic deployment of policies, initiatives, and collaborative efforts that stimulate the growth of the travel industry and promote cross-border travel.
“Beyond the economic benefits, the official visits also foster cultural diplomacy. His Majesty immerses himself in foreign lands, experiencing diverse cultures, traditions, and ways of life.
Such interactions cultivate empathy, respect, and appreciation for different cultures, thereby building bridges between nations and promoting peaceful coexistence,” said Sibiya.
Worth mentioning is that tourism acts as a vessel for the exchange of ideas, values, and knowledge, fostering a global community that cherishes diversity and embraces unity.
