Swazi immigration officials trained to be "tourist friendly"

SWAZILAND’S Tourism Authority (STA) is training the kingdom's customs and immigration officers to be friendlier to travellers. "Immigration officers are the first and last face our visitors see," says tourism minister Thandie Shongwe. "It is therefore important that they are friendly, welcoming, and efficient. They often don't realise just how important they are to the whole tourism industry." Most tourists to Swaziland spend only two to three nights in the small mountain kingdom, while travelling through to South Africa or Mozambique. The immigration officers are also being taught to encourage extended visits, or even return visits, by recommending places to stay and suggesting interesting cultural attractions. (African Eye News Service)