Swaziland gets ready for 2010

Swaziland, the tiny landlocked country bordering South Africa and Mozambique, is getting its accommodation sector ready for the  influx of tourists expected for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Swaziland Tourism Authority (STA) Marketing Manager Bongani Dlamini told the Swazi Oberver Swaziland's accommodation facilities such as hotels, guest houses, lodges, self catering and backpackers meet the required standards.

He noted that the accommodation sector in the country was at 53% in terms of meeting FIFA standards and that there was scope to raise the mark to 80% or even 90%. Dlamini said 2010 was just a catalyst for the tourism sector as they were looking beyond that.

"There is no point in preparing for 2010 specifically, lest we find ourselves left with white elephants after the World Cup. We are looking beyond 2010," he told the newspaper.

He said 2010 was for raising Swaziland's profile for the future and that STA, in conjunction with the ministry of tourism and environment had promised to grade accommodation places using a star-rating in the country in preparation for 2010.

The tiny mountainous Kingdom of Swaziland has been dubbed the 'Switzerland of Africa' and boasts a handful of luxury hotels. But the main attraction is the local African culture and traditions and the excellent wildlife reserves. Many tourists include a visit to the country as a a detour on route from Johannesburg to Durban for its breathtaking scenery.

>> For more about Swaziland visit the official Swaziland Tourism Board

>> Find accommodation in Swaziland with the SA Direct accommodation search.