…. Ezulwini, Manzini Hotels Filled As Visitors Flock To Kingdom
…. 23 000 Fire Starters From 55 Countries Boost Local Economy
…. 32 Aircraft Land As Global Visitors Descend On Kingdom
…. Festival Positions Eswatini As Africa’s Cultural Capital
BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MBABANE– The curtains may have closed on MTN Bushfire 2026, but the impact of the internationally acclaimed festival is expected to be felt across Eswatini for months to come after organisers revealed impressive figures highlighting its growing contribution to tourism, job creation and economic growth.
Held from May 29 to 31 at House on Fire in Malkerns, the 19th edition of the festival attracted more than 23 000 attendees from over 55 countries, further cementing Eswatini’s reputation as one of Africa’s leading cultural tourism destinations.
Even more significant were the border crossing statistics released following the event. According to festival organisers, Eswatini recorded 50 403 arrivals during the festival weekend, including 28 392 international visitors and 22 011 emaSwati living abroad who returned home to experience the event. The figures represent an 11.5 percent increase compared to the previous year.
Visitors travelled from countries including South Africa, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Tanzania, the United States, France, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and Germany, demonstrating Bushfire’s growing global appeal.
The influx of visitors translated into strong business activity across the country. Hotels and accommodation establishments experienced high occupancy rates, with Ezulwini recording 80.5 percent occupancy, Manzini 82.3 percent and Mbabane 73 percent during the festival period.
The aviation sector also benefited from the increased travel demand. A total of 32 aircraft landed at King Mswati III International Airport during the peak arrival period, compared to 23 aircraft during the same period last year.
Festival Director Jiggs Thorne said the success of the event was a collective achievement involving government, sponsors, communities, artists and thousands of visitors.
The festival’s economic footprint extends far beyond ticket sales. Organisers noted that the 2025 edition generated E121.2 million for the national economy, supporting local traders, transport operators, accommodation establishments and numerous small businesses.
More than 378 artists from 20 countries performed across various stages during the three-day festival, creating one of the most diverse artistic programmes ever hosted in Eswatini.
The festival also strengthened its social impact initiatives through advocacy, healthcare and community engagement activities.
Attention is already turning to next year as MTN Bushfire prepares to celebrate a major milestone. The 2027 edition will mark the festival’s 20th anniversary, with organisers promising a landmark celebration of two decades of music, culture, tourism and community impact.
For Eswatini, the latest Bushfire figures provide further evidence that cultural tourism is becoming an increasingly important driver of economic growth, international visibility and national pride.
(Courtesy Pic)
