More tourists using rail transport

Swaziland Railway (SR), in partnership with Rovos Rail and Shongololo Southern Cross, continue to offer an exciting travel alternative to tourists in the region.
As a result, there is a growing number of tourists who take advantage of this alternative mode of transport.
Last week (Thursday and Friday alone), 123 tourists arrived in the country through Mpaka Railway Station.
On Thursday, 77 tourists were brought into the country by the Shongololo Southern Cross; while the next day, 46 golfers came through the same train station destined for Ezulwini, where they were scheduled to play golf.
Rovos Rail and Shongololo Southern Cross are both based in South Africa, and specialise in transporting tourists in partnership with railway operators across Africa, including Swaziland Railway. 
growth
In an interview, Swaziland Railway Chief Executive Officer, Gideon Mahlalela, said the number of tourists who preferred travelling by train grew each day, and this augured well for the growth of the industry.
“Other thematic tour arrangements would be made in the near future to boost current consumption,” said Mahlalela, speaking at Mpaka on Friday, shortly after welcoming the 46 tourists.
He said this would allow them to arrange visits to cultural destinations, and also assist the tourists attend cultural events.
Collaborated
Asked if they collaborated with the Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Mahlalela said they were not working together at this stage, but mentioned that it would be of mutual benefit to do so in future.
He added by stating that it would be wise for the ministry to place information brochures and stickers on trains to market themselves.
Meanwhile, SR will not be providing a passenger train for people wishing to travel to South Africa to watch the World Cup.
Agreement
“It took a long time to finalise the agreement with our counterparts in South Africa. We apologise to those people who had shown interest in the service,” said Mahlalela.

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