BY SIFISO NHLABATSI
MBABANE – The Eswatini Tourism Authoritys (ETA) has reported that the country recorded 96 720 international visitor arrivals in September 2026, representing a 6.6% increase from the 90 772 arrivals recorded during the same month in 2025.
The ETA in its monthly tourism statistical release reported that this marked the ninth consecutive period of positive growth in international visitor arrivals.
According to the statistical release, the increase was supported by strong growth in regional markets, particularly Mozambique and Botswana, which recorded increases of 26.9% and 71.1%, respectively.
However, arrivals from South Africa, Eswatini’s largest source market, declined by 3.9% during the month under review.
The ETA’s report shows that Africa, the Americas, Europe and the Middle East recorded year-on-year growth in visitor arrivals in September, while Asia and the Pacific was the only region to register a decline.
At individual market level, arrivals from the United States, Sweden, Norway and Italy decreased, while Canada, Germany and Belgium recorded growth.
The statistical release notes that rising transport and accommodation costs, coupled with broader economic uncertainty, continue to influence international travel budgets, destination choices and spending patterns.
It further highlights the importance of monitoring individual source markets and strengthening Eswatini’s appeal to visitors from both established and emerging markets.
Meanwhile, several events featured on Eswatini’s tourism calendar during September.
According to the ETA, the Eswatini International Trade Fair, the country’s largest annual business exhibition, attracted exhibitors and visitors from across the region.
The country also hosted the Southern Africa Inter-Municipal Sports Association (SAIMSA) Games, bringing municipal delegations from neighbouring countries together for a week of sporting and cultural exchange.
The ETA further noted Eswatini’s participation in World Tourism Month celebrations, which provided an opportunity to promote the country as a tourism destination and enhance its international visibility.
The September 2026 statistical release highlights continued growth in international visitor arrivals, with Mozambique and Botswana recording notable increases despite the decline in arrivals from South Africa.
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