The Minister of Public Works & Transport, Ndlaluhlaza Ndwandwe has today officially launched the Eswatini Railways Tourist Train.
When making his presentation the Minister noted that the first trip will take place on 22 September 2023 from Maputo to Matsapha.
In terms of pricing, for the overnight Tourist Train (Maputo to Eswatini), a Private Coach will cost customers E1 200 per person/ sharing and E6 800 for squad bookings. Worth noting is that the Private Coach can only accommodate 6 people.
The ticket price for the Open Coach (Maputo to Matsapha) on the other hand is E950.
Eswatini Railways revealed that the 23rd of September will comprise of a Family Day Tourist Train Round Trip from Matsapha to Mpaka.
The Round Trip will cost adults E250, while children aged 6 to 12 years will fork out E180, children below 6 years on the other hand will pay E100, and those below 3 years enjoy the trip for free.
Eswatini Railways Chief Executive Officer Nixon Dlamini noted that it gives them great joy as an organization to officially launch the tourist train.
He divulged that this will not be a once-off event, but they are looking at having other trips going forward. Dlamini said the most important thing at the moment was to create a culture of traveling by train within emaSwati.
The Minister observed that the Tourist Train presents an opportunity for the Eswatini Railways to unlock business opportunities that had not been explored previously.
He said this initiative is very important because the government is in the process of implementing reforms needed to restore financial stability and expand the fiscal space to facilitate private sector development and provision of public services.
The launch took place at the ongoing Eswatini International Trade Fair, Business Chamber powered by FNB Eswatini.
Noteworthy attendees included the Eswatini Tourism Authority CEO, Linda Nxumalo, the Eswatini Railways Board representatives and management, as well as representatives from CFM, among other important guests.