Community-Led Co-Creation Advances Sustainable Tourism in Eswatini’s Matsanjeni Cultural Landscape

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.