A conversation with Minister for Tourism and Environmental Affairs Jane Mkhonta-Simelane early in her journey completely changed how she viewed her role.
"The country is in the palm of your hands." Those words stayed with her.
"They completely changed how I viewed my work. Every article I write, every photograph I publish and every story I share carries the image of Eswatini. I realised I was not simply reporting on destinations or events. I was representing my country," Dlamini says.
It is a responsibility she still carries today, she mentions she always tries, to give positive energy because she knows that in many spaces she is representing emaSwati
"Our country is known for being happy, respectful and loving, and I want people to experience those qualities through me," she adds.
Proudly Swati, Tlalane says her love for Eswatini's culture, traditions, monarchy and natural beauty has always been at the centre of her work.
Over a career spanning more than 15 years in journalism, marketing, public relations and communications, she has remained committed to telling stories that encourage people to experience the Kingdom for themselves.
That passion has taken her to some remarkable places. Her career has seen her cover heads of state, attend royal engagements and travel with official government delegations.
She has also reported from some of Africa's biggest tourism, cultural and lifestyle events, experiences she says have only deepened her appreciation for the work she does.
One of her proudest moments was covering the official opening of the ICC Ezulwini Palazzo, an occasion she believes marked an important milestone for Eswatini's tourism and conferencing industry.
She also fondly remembers travelling with the Eswatini delegation to Africa's Travel Indaba in Durban, where she had the opportunity to work alongside international media and share space with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.
"It reminded me that every opportunity is earned through consistency, professionalism and believing in the work that you do," she says.
Another memorable highlight was attending the prestigious Hollywoodbets Durban July.
While many people associate the event with fashion and entertainment, Tlalane saw something much bigger.
"The Durban July was another opportunity to network, build meaningful relationships and proudly speak about Destination Eswatini," she says.
"Tourism promotion does not only happen at travel expos. It happens wherever you go. Every conversation becomes an opportunity to introduce someone to our beautiful Kingdom," she says in addition.
Yet despite the glamorous image often associated with tourism and lifestyle journalism, Tlalane says there is another side to the work that people rarely see.
Away from the cameras and events, she is balancing deadlines with motherhood, family responsibilities and the demands of an ever-moving industry.
"There are mornings spent editing photographs before the school run and nights spent finalising proposals after everyone has gone to bed," she says.
She credits her family and partner for helping her remain grounded while pursuing a career that often requires long hours and constant movement.
It is perhaps this balancing act that makes her storytelling feel so intentional.
For Tlalane, lifestyle journalism is not simply about documenting events as they happen. It is about preserving moments, creating memories and helping shape how people see Eswatini.
Every article, campaign and social media post contributes to a much bigger picture. It helps create a positive image of the country, celebrates local excellence and encourages people to travel, invest and engage with the Kingdom in ways they may not have considered before.
Through her coverage of events such as MTN Bushfire, the Standard Bank Luju Food & Lifestyle Festival, SAFFEST, the FNB Eswatini Challenge and numerous tourism initiatives across the country, she believes she is contributing to a growing archive of Eswatini's story.
Worthnoting in a world dominated by fast news and fleeting social media trends, the platform Eswatini Travel News feels intentional.
It is beautifully curated, proudly local and deeply invested in showcasing the Kingdom in an authentic way.
Every destination feature, event recap and tourism campaign feels like an invitation to see Eswatini differently.
Tlalane, emphasises there is still much more work to be done.
"As long as I have a platform and a story to tell, I will continue telling Eswatini's story with integrity, positivity and pride," she says.
For the woman behind one of the country's most recognisable tourism platforms, representing home is both a privilege and a responsibility.
Her work, has shown that people that some of the best stories are not found across borders or oceans.
Sometimes, they are right here at home, waiting for someone like Tlalane to tell them.
Keep in touch and find your next travel here: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DH6TLu8np/
