BY LINDELWA MYENI
MBABANE – Eswatini’s tourism industry is gathering momentum, with visitor arrivals rising by 8 per cent as the Kingdom pushes towards an ambitious target of attracting 2 million visitors and generating E2 billion from tourism by 2027.
More than 562 000 visitors have already travelled to Eswatini, according to Eswatini Tourism Chief Executive Officer Vusi Dlamini, signalling encouraging growth for a sector expected to make an increasingly important contribution to the country’s economy.
For hotels, restaurants, transport operators, tourism establishments, craft traders and other businesses that depend on travellers, the growing numbers represent more than statistics — they point to increased economic activity and opportunities for local enterprises.
Dlamini said the latest figures were particularly encouraging when compared with visitor arrivals recorded during the corresponding period last year.
“Our numbers have grown by 8 per cent when we compare them to last year’s numbers. We’ve passed 562 000 compared to last year, which shows the growth in numbers,” he said.
The increase suggests growing interest in Eswatini as a destination as the country works towards strengthening tourism and attracting more international visitors.
One of the markets contributing to the upward trend is Zambia.
Dlamini attributed part of the growth in arrivals from Zambia to improved air connectivity following the introduction of flights linking Eswatini and the Southern African country through Eswatini Air.
“Most numbers are for people from Zambia and it is believed it’s because we now have an airline that goes to Zambia, which is Eswatini Air,” he said.
He applauded Eswatini Air for identifying Zambia as one of its destinations, noting that improved connectivity had made travelling between the two countries easier.
The development highlights the important role transport connectivity can play in growing tourism, particularly by making Eswatini more accessible to travellers from regional markets.
Neighbouring Mozambique has also emerged as an important tourism market for the Kingdom.
Visitors from Mozambique contribute to economic activity when they spend money on accommodation, food, transport, shopping and other tourism-related services while in Eswatini.
Dlamini said the exchange rate also gives Mozambican visitors favourable purchasing power when spending in the Kingdom, creating opportunities for Eswatini businesses to benefit from increased visitor expenditure.
The continuing rise in tourist arrivals comes as Eswatini works towards its 2027 tourism ambitions of attracting 2 million visitors and generating E2 billion for the economy.
Reaching that milestone would represent a significant expansion of the country’s tourism market and could translate into greater economic activity for businesses and communities that benefit directly and indirectly from visitors.
With more than 562 000 visitors already recorded and arrivals growing by 8 per cent year-on-year, the latest figures provide encouraging signs that Eswatini’s tourism sector is moving in a positive direction.
The challenge now will be to sustain the momentum as the Kingdom positions itself to welcome even more visitors and maximise tourism’s contribution to economic growth.
