BY MBONO MDLULI
MBABANE – Eswatini’s tourism sector achieved a remarkable milestone in December 2024, welcoming 111 171 international visitors, reflecting an impressive 40.5 percent increase compared to the same month in 2023.
According to the Eswatini Tourism Authority (ETA), the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region remained the primary source of international tourists, with South Africa (74 775 visitors) and Mozambique (17 532 visitors) leading the charge.
This surge stresses Eswatini’s appeal as a festive season destination of choice within the continent and beyond.
Key drivers of the December boom included the annual Incwala ceremony, school holidays, and increased disposable income from festive bonuses, which allowed for greater travel flexibility. December’s figures also represented the highest visitor numbers since the COVID-19 pandemic began, showcasing Eswatini’s strong recovery and its growing reputation as a premier travel destination.
Outside of SADC, nearly all regions experienced significant inbound growth, with the Americas leading the way at 52.5 percent. This was followed by a 48.7 percent rise from the Eurozone, a 41 percent increase from Africa, and a 9.4 percent increment from Australasia. However, the Middle East recorded a 29.6 percent decline compared to 2023.
Several African markets showed remarkable triple-digit growth, with Malawi recording a 269.2 percent increase, Lesotho achieving 141.6 percent, and Botswana seeing a 107.7 percent surge. Double-digit growth was also recorded in Zimbabwe (75.8 percent), Kenya (63.9 percent), Tanzania (51.0 percent), and Nigeria (31.8 percent).
The Eurozone displayed robust performance as well, with the Netherlands experiencing a 108.8 percent increase, followed by Belgium (+77.0 percent), France (+45.4 percent), Germany (+45.1 percent), and the UK (+36.0 percent).
In the Americas, Brazil led the growth with a staggering 178.9 percent increase, while the USA posted a solid 54.3 percent rise and Canada recorded a 33.3 percent improvement. Australasia added 2 310 visitors, reflecting a 9.4 percent increase.
Year-to-date inbound arrivals grew by 14.5 percent compared to 2023, with total visitation reaching 964 361. Africa led the growth with a 15.4 percent increase, followed by the Americas (+10.9 percent), Australasia (+9.3 percent), and the Eurozone (+7.0 percent).
The average length of stay in December 2024 was 2.05 nights, slightly above November’s figures, further contributing to the positive momentum in the tourism sector.
The December 2024 tourism figures underscore Eswatini’s growing appeal as a must-visit destination. With its unique cultural experiences, natural beauty, and strategic positioning in the region, the Kingdom is steadily reclaiming its pre-pandemic status as a top travel destination.
