BY MBONO MDLULI
MBABANE – It was reported that Eswatini experienced a notable increase in tourist arrivals in May 2025, with a total of 87 227 visitors recorded.
This figure represented a 20.3 percent increase compared to the same month in the previous year, according to the January 2025 Monthly Tourism Statistical Release produced by the Eswatini Tourism Authority (ETA).
Tourist Origins
The report indicated that the majority of tourists came from various African countries, including South Africa, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Malawi, and Kenya. It was noted that South Africa was the leading source of tourists, contributing 53 317 visitors, which showed a19.4 percentage increase from the previous year. Mozambique followed with 16 627 tourists, reflecting an increase of 34.5 percent. Zimbabwe became the third country with the most visitors and it saw a significant increase of 26 percent, with 5 249 visitors compared to the same month last year.
Overseas Visitors
In terms of overseas visitors, the report identified France, the Netherlands, and USA as the top three markets. Tourists from France numbered 1 496, which was a decrease of 19.2 percent from the previous year. The Netherlands contributed 667 tourists, marking a 31.7 percent decrease, while the USA had 1 173 visitors, reflecting a decrease of 8.6 percent compared to the same time last year.
Emerging Markets
Additionally, the report highlighted that Tanzania, Malawi, and Lesotho were emerging as significant markets for Eswatini’s tourism industry. The average length of stay for tourists during May was reported to be 1.93 nights.
This overview illustrates the dynamics of Eswatini’s tourism sector, showcasing both the challenges and opportunities present in attracting visitors from various regions.
