Over 12 000 more tourists this December than in 2021

By Khulile Thwala

The Eswatini Tourism Authority (ETA) recorded an increase of 19 189 international visitors in a space of five days this festive season. The data was collected from December 21 to 25.

According to Acting Head of Marketing Sebenzile Ginindza, a significant number of tourists came from South Africa and Mozambique, with international travellers mostly from the United States of America (USA), the United Kingdom (UK), and France, among others.

The ETA is targeting two million tourists to have entered Eswatini by 2025, which means they are looking forward to higher numbers in 2023. emaSwati in the diaspora who entered the country in the aforementioned period was recorded to be over 18 000, with a significant number of them occupying the hotels, lodges, and guest houses in the country.

The hospitality industry saw a major boost this festive with occupancy increasing by 21 per cent in comparison to last year. Mbabane performed the best with the occupancy rate, Ezulwini came second while Lubombo was third best.

….. #Choose Eswatini draw winner announced

The ETA has announced the lucky winners of the #ChooseEswatini competition, who entered by purchasing packages from Amahle Travel & Tours. The first prize winner walking away with an all-expenses paid Nkonyeni Lodge stay along with a spa date for two is Nondumiso Mhlanga, while the second prize winner walking away with an overnight stay for two at Umushi Wenkosazana and a quad bike ride is Gugulethu Thwala.